Mitogen-activated ERK kinase cascade (MAPK/ERK Pathway)

The mitogen-activated ERK kinase cascade, also known as the RAF–MEK–ERK or MAPK/ERK pathway, is a highly conserved signal transduction pathway that relays extracellular signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus. This cascade plays a central role in regulating key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, gene expression, and apoptosis. Aberrant activation of this pathway is implicated in cancer development (tumorigenesis), developmental disorders ("RASopathies"), schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, migraines, among others. Due to its central role in cell fate decisions—and frequent dysregulation in cancers—the MAPK/ERK pathway has been extensively targeted pharmacologically.

Other names

RAF-MEK-ERK pathwayERK kinase cascade

Inhibition of RAF, MEK, or ERK kinases to block downstream signaling.