Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma kinase family (RAF)

The RAF kinase family comprises three closely related serine/threonine-specific protein kinases: A-Raf, B-Raf, and C-Raf (also known as Raf-1). These kinases are central components of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, also referred to as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This pathway is crucial for transmitting signals from extracellular growth factors to promote cell division, differentiation, and survival. Mutations or dysregulation within this pathway—especially activating mutations in BRAF—are implicated in various cancers such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, among others. As such, several small-molecule inhibitors targeting different members or domains within this family have been developed or are under clinical investigation.

Other names

RAF kinasesA-RafB-RafC-RafRaf-1ARAFBRAFRAF1

RAF kinases phosphorylate and activate MEK1/2, leading to downstream ERK/MAPK activation.