K-ras is a gene that encodes a protein involved in cell signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in the k-ras gene are common in many types of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. Research in the field of k-ras focuses on understanding how mutations in this gene contribute to cancer development, as well as the development of targeted therapies that can inhibit the activity of mutant k-ras proteins. This area of research is crucial for developing more effective treatments for cancer patients with k-ras mutations.