B-Raf

Abstract

B-Raf is a serine threonine protein kinase downstream of RAS and as such is part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway involved in proliferation and survival of cells. B-Raf is mutated in a high percentage of cancers, 50% of melanomas arising on non-chronic UV-damaged skin and at a lower frequency in other types of melanoma, thyroid, colon, and ovarian cancers. Mutated B-Raf is an oncogenic driver in melanoma and other cancers. It is believed to be an early event since it is seen in the majority of nevi and a subset of premalignant colon polyps. Several kinase inhibitors targeting B-Raf are approved for advanced melanoma.