Raf
RAF is a family of protein kinases central to the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, which regulates cell division, differentiation, and survival. The family consists of three members: A-RAF, B-RAF, and C-RAF (RAF-1), each playing a key role in transmitting signals from the cell surface to the nucleus. B-RAF is particularly notable for its mutation rate in human cancers, making it a prime target for oncological therapies. RAF kinases activate MEK and ERK, leading to cell proliferation and survival, thereby influencing tumor growth and development. Due to their critical role in oncogenesis, RAF inhibitors have been developed as cancer treatments, significantly impacting clinical outcomes for patients with malignant melanoma and other cancers.
