Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (RAF-MEK-ERK) (MAPK pathway)

The RAF–MEK–ERK pathway, also known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, is a fundamental signal transduction cascade that conveys extracellular signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus [1]. This pathway plays a central role in regulating essential cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival [2]. In many human malignancies, the pathway is constitutively activated by mutations in upstream components like RAS or RAF, making it a primary driver of oncogenesis [3]. Consequently, the pathway is a major focus of oncology drug development, with several approved inhibitors targeting BRAF and MEK kinases [4]. While these targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes in patients with BRAF-mutant cancers, their long-term efficacy is often limited by the emergence of complex resistance mechanisms and paradoxical pathway activation [2][5].

Other names

Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathwayMAPK/ERK pathwayERK signaling pathwayMAPK cascade

Small molecule inhibition of specific protein kinases (RAF, MEK, or ERK) within the cascade to block downstream signaling, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth and inducing apoptosis [1][3].