GNAS Mutations: Drivers or Co-Pilots? Yet, Promising Diagnostic Biomarkers

Over 25 years ago, GNAS mutations were discovered associated with McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) and pituitary tumors. The mutant gene, encoding the heterotrimeric Gs protein, was named ‘derived from Gs Protein' ( gsp ) oncogene . For a long time, gsp remained associated with specific endocrine tumors. Recently, high frequencies of gsp were reported for a rapidly growing number of neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Will heterotrimeric G-proteins follow small G-proteins and become recognized as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets?