Which of the following is the most common oncogene mutation in human cancers?

The most common oncogene mutation in human cancers is attributed to K-ras (KRAS). This gene plays a critical role in cell signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division. When mutated, KRAS can drive abnormal cell proliferation and contribute significantly to the development of various cancers, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Mutations in KRAS occur in a significant percentage of these cancers, making it one of the most frequently altered oncogenes in human malignancies. The specific mutations often involve point mutations that affect the protein's ability to hydrolyze GTP, resulting in a constitutively active form of the protein that continuously signals for cell growth and division, thus promoting tumorigenesis.

This prevalence underscores the importance of KRAS in oncogenic processes and its role as a target for therapeutic interventions in the treatment of cancers characterized by these mutations.