What is oncogenic BRAF?
Oncogenic BRAF can result from mutations in the BRAF gene. Various activating mutations (ie, somatic point mutations) in BRAF cause the protein to become overactive. This triggers a signaling cascade that can play a role in specific malignancies. Approximately 90% of known BRAF mutations are V600E mutations. These involve the substitution of glutamic acid (E) for valine (V) at position V600 of the protein chain, resulting in constitutively active BRAF. Other variants of this point mutation include lysine (K), aspartic acid (D), and arginine (R). The V600 point mutation allows BRAF to signal independently of upstream cues.3,4,6,7
As a result of constitutively active BRAF, overactive downstream signaling via MEK and ERK leads to excessive cell proliferation and survival, independent of growth factors. Oncogenic BRAF signaling may lead to increased and uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis (programmed cell death).3
LOADING...
BRAFV600E can activate MEK and ERK downstream, independent of upstream cues from RAS.3,4