RAF1 mRNA translation initiation site (RAF1 mRNA) (RAF1 mRNA)

The RAF1 mRNA translation initiation site is the specific sequence within the RAF1 (c-Raf) messenger RNA where the translation machinery, including the ribosome and initiation factors, assembles to begin protein synthesis. RAF1 is a proto-oncogene encoding a serine/threonine kinase that acts as a pivotal mediator in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, which is responsible for transmitting extracellular signals to the nucleus to regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival [UniProt, P04049]. Overexpression or constitutive activation of the RAF1 pathway is a common driver in various malignancies, including ovarian, renal, and lung cancers [PubMed, 8640144]. Therapeutic strategies targeting the mRNA translation initiation site, such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), aim to silence the gene by preventing the production of the RAF1 protein altogether [PubMed, 10550078]. These ASOs bind to the target sequence via Watson-Crick base pairing, leading to either steric blockage of the ribosome or RNase H-mediated degradation of the mRNA transcript [PubMed, 9389983]. While the well-known antisense drug ISIS 5132 was designed to target the 3' untranslated region of RAF1 mRNA, the translation initiation site remains a significant target for RNA-based therapies designed to inhibit oncogenic signaling in solid tumors.

Other names

c-Raf mRNA translation initiation siteRAF1 translation start siteRAF1 mRNA AUG regionRAF1 translation initiation complex site

Antisense-mediated inhibition of translation through steric hindrance of the ribosome or RNase H-dependent mRNA degradation.