Name

MRAS Gene

muscle RAS oncogene homolog

This gene encodes a member of the Ras family of small GTPases. These membrane-associated proteins function as signal transducers in multiple processes including cell growth and differentiation, and dysregulation of Ras signaling has been associated with many types of cancer. The encoded protein may play a role in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and MAP kinase signaling pathways. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011]

BRAF Gene

B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase

This gene encodes a protein belonging to the RAF family of serine/threonine protein kinases. This protein plays a role in regulating the MAP kinase/ERK signaling pathway, which affects cell division, differentiation, and secretion. Mutations in this gene, most commonly the V600E mutation, are the most frequently identified cancer-causing mutations in melanoma, and have been identified in various other cancers as well, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, thyroid carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, hairy cell leukemia and adenocarcinoma of lung. Mutations in this gene are also associated with cardiofaciocutaneous, Noonan, and Costello syndromes, which exhibit overlapping phenotypes. A pseudogene of this gene has been identified on the X chromosome. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]

RAF1 Gene

Raf-1 proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase

This gene is the cellular homolog of viral raf gene (v-raf). The encoded protein is a MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K), which functions downstream of the Ras family of membrane associated GTPases to which it binds directly. Once activated, the cellular RAF1 protein can phosphorylate to activate the dual specificity protein kinases MEK1 and MEK2, which in turn phosphorylate to activate the serine/threonine specific protein kinases, ERK1 and ERK2. Activated ERKs are pleiotropic effectors of cell physiology and play an important role in the control of gene expression involved in the cell division cycle, apoptosis, cell differentiation and cell migration. Mutations in this gene are associated with Noonan syndrome 5 and LEOPARD syndrome 2. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

ARAF Gene

A-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase

Enables protein serine/threonine kinase activity. Involved in negative regulation of apoptotic process; regulation of TOR signaling; and regulation of protein metabolic process. Predicted to be active in cytosol and mitochondrion. Biomarker of high grade glioma. [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Mar 2025]