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Signal Transduction
Eukaryotes
MAPK/ERK Pathway
RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade transducing growth factor signals to the nucleus.
Overview
The MAPK/ERK pathway is a chain of proteins that communicates a signal from a receptor on the cell surface to the DNA in the nucleus. Growth factor binding activates RAS, which recruits and activates RAF kinase. RAF phosphorylates MEK, which in turn phosphorylates ERK. Activated ERK translocates to the nucleus where it phosphorylates transcription factors that promote cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm → Nucleus
Clinical Significance
One of the most commonly mutated pathways in cancer (especially RAS and BRAF mutations); target of multiple FDA-approved cancer drugs.