Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline
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Published on: November 29, 2016

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Deciphering the RAS/ERK pathway in vivo

Coralie Dorard1, Georg Vucak1, Manuela Baccarini2

  • 1Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria.

Biochemical Society Transactions
|February 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Genetically engineered mouse models have significantly advanced the understanding of the RAS/ERK pathway, revealing novel biological roles and therapeutic targets for human diseases like cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The RAS/ERK pathway is crucial in cellular processes and frequently dysregulated in human cancers.
  • Mutations in RAS/ERK pathway components drive cancer in approximately one-third of cases.
  • The pathway is a validated target for pharmacological interventions, with several inhibitors in clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the significant contributions of genetically engineered mouse models to understanding the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.
  • To highlight how mouse models have elucidated complex biological roles and interactions within the pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature focusing on genetically engineered mouse models.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the RAS/ERK pathway in development, homeostasis, and disease using mouse models.

Main Results:

  • Mouse models have identified unique biological functions of similar proteins within the RAS/ERK pathway.
  • These models have uncovered novel kinase-independent effectors and unexpected cross-talk with other signaling cascades.
  • Insights into the pathway's role in cancer development and progression have been gained.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically engineered mouse models are indispensable tools for dissecting complex signaling pathways like RAS/ERK.
  • These models provide critical insights into pathway mechanisms, offering potential for new therapeutic strategies in cancer and other diseases.
Keywords:
cancerdevelopmental biologyextracellular signal-regulated kinases

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