Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods
Published on: July 17, 2019
Ras and Raf pathways in epidermis development and carcinogenesis
F Kern1, T Niault, M Baccarini
1University of Vienna, Center for Molecular Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Doktor-Bohr-Gasse 9, A-1030 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the body and protects it from environmental insults. This crucial function is sustained by a continuous process of self-renewal involving the carefully balanced proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells constantly replacing the mature cells at the surface of the epidermis. Genetic changes in the signalling pathways controlling keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation disrupt this balance and lead to pathological changes including carcinogenesis. This review discusses the role of Ras, an oncogene critically involved in the development of skin neoplasia, and its downstream effector Raf in epidermal homeostasis and tumourigenesis. In particular, we will focus on the recently established role of Raf-1 as the decisive element that, by restraining keratinocyte differentiation, allows the development and maintenance of Ras-driven tumours.
Related Concept Videos
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

