ARAF

ARAF
Identifiers
Symbol	?
HGNC	644
OMIM	311010
RefSeq	NM_001654
UniProt	P10398
Search for Structures Swiss-model Domains InterPro

ARAF is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ARAF gene. It is a member of the RAF kinase family of serine/threonine-specific protein kinases. ARAF is involved in the MAPK/ERK pathway, which is a chain of proteins in the cell that communicates a signal from a receptor on the surface of the cell to the DNA in the nucleus.

Structure

The ARAF protein is composed of several domains that are crucial for its function. These include the Ras-binding domain (RBD), the cysteine-rich domain (CRD), and the kinase domain. The RBD and CRD are involved in the interaction with Ras proteins, which are small GTPases that act as molecular switches in the cell.

Function

ARAF plays a role in the regulation of cell division, differentiation, and secretion. It is activated by Ras proteins and subsequently activates the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. This pathway is critical for the regulation of various cellular processes, including growth and survival.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ARAF gene have been associated with various types of cancer. For example, certain mutations can lead to the constitutive activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation. ARAF mutations have been identified in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other malignancies.

Research

Research on ARAF is ongoing to better understand its role in cancer and other diseases. Inhibitors targeting the RAF kinases, including ARAF, are being developed as potential therapeutic agents for cancers with aberrant MAPK/ERK signaling.

Also see

• RAF kinase
• MAPK/ERK pathway
• BRAF
• CRAF
• Ras protein