Proto-Oncogene B-Raf, BRAF1, RAFB1, NS7, EC 2.7.11.1, B-RAF1, P94.
Proto-Oncogene B-Raf, BRAF1, RAFB1, NS7, EC 2.7.11.1, B-RAF1, P94.
The B-Raf proto-oncogene, also known as BRAF, is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the raf/mil family of serine/threonine protein kinases. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating the MAP kinase/ERK signaling pathway, which is involved in cell division, differentiation, and secretion .
The BRAF protein is a serine/threonine kinase that is part of the RAF kinase family. It is composed of several domains, including a Ras-binding domain, a cysteine-rich domain, and a kinase domain. The protein is involved in transmitting signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus, thereby influencing cellular responses to external stimuli .
Mutations in the BRAF gene are associated with several types of cancer, including melanoma, colorectal cancer, and thyroid carcinoma. The most common mutation, V600E, results in a substitution of valine (V) with glutamic acid (E) at position 600, leading to increased kinase activity and uncontrolled cell proliferation .
Recombinant human BRAF protein is produced using various expression systems, including baculovirus-infected insect cells. This recombinant protein is used in research to study the function of BRAF and its role in cancer. It is also used in drug development to screen for inhibitors that target the BRAF kinase .