Mariano Barbacid

Mariano Barbacid independently isolated and characterized the Harvey-RAS (HRAS) oncogene from human bladder cancer cells, one of the first human oncogenes identified. His landmark 1982 study demonstrated that a single point mutation in codon 12 of RAS activated its transforming potential, establishing the concept of activating point mutations as drivers of human cancer. He has continued to advance understanding of RAS biology and develop therapeutic strategies targeting KRAS-driven cancers. His foundational RAS discoveries initiated decades of research ultimately leading to KRAS G12C inhibitors like sotorasib.