Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods
07:49

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Published on: July 17, 2019

Regulation of cell cycle progression and apoptosis by the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway (Review)

Fumin Chang1, Linda S Steelman, John G Shelton

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.

International Journal of Oncology
|February 13, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway controls cell division and survival. Dysregulation of this pathway is linked to human cancers, impacting cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a critical signaling cascade involved in cellular processes.
  • Aberrant signaling in this pathway is frequently implicated in the development of human cancers.
  • This pathway influences both cell proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory mechanisms of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.
  • To elucidate how this pathway modulates cell cycle progression.
  • To discuss the role of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in maintaining cell survival.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Analysis of signaling pathway components and their interactions.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms regulating cell cycle and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway integrates signals that dictate cell fate.
  • Pathway activation strength and specific Raf isoforms influence cell cycle outcomes (proliferation vs. arrest).
  • Modulation of apoptotic molecules like Bad and Bcl-2 by this pathway impacts cell survival.

Conclusions:

  • The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a key determinant of cell cycle progression and survival.
  • Understanding its regulation is crucial for cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
  • The pathway's dual role in promoting proliferation and survival highlights its complexity in disease.

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