What is BRAF?
BRAF, a member of the RAF family, is a protein kinase that is encoded by the BRAF gene. The RAF family of proteins includes 3 isoforms: ARAF, BRAF, and CRAF. While each isoform plays a role in the RAS-RAF pathway, BRAF is the main activator of MEK. BRAF plays an important role as an intermediary in the RAS-RAF signaling cascade, a pathway responsible for normal cell growth, differentiation, and survival.2
Preclinical studies demonstrate that mutations in the BRAF gene allow for BRAF to signal independently of upstream cues. As a result, mutated BRAF causes overactive downstream signaling via MEK and ERK. This leads to excessive cell proliferation and survival, independent of growth factors.1-4
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The RAS-RAF pathway signaling cascade is initiated outside the cell. Through a series of steps, the signal travels to the nucleus to control key cellular functions.5