RAS–MAPK Pathway

Q1: What is the RAS–MAPK signaling pathway?

The RAS–MAPK pathway is a key signaling cascade that transmits extracellular signals from receptors to the nucleus through sequential kinase activation (RAF–MEK–ERK).

Q2: How is RAS activated?

RAS acts as a molecular switch, cycling between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states, regulated by GEFs and GAPs.

Q3: What are the downstream effects of MAPK signaling?

Activated ERK translocates to the nucleus and regulates transcription factors controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

Q4: Why is the RAS–MAPK pathway important in cancer?

Mutations in RAS or upstream receptors lead to persistent pathway activation, driving oncogenesis and tumor progression.