Julia Michalik, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher and David Aebisher
Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, Poland

Part of the book: The Biochemical Guide to Proteins

Abstract

Mutations in the human BRAF gene, which encodes the B-raf protein, may be heritable and cause birth defects, or may appear during life and contribute to the development of cancer in various organs. The B-raf protein is involved in the protein kinase signaling pathway and influences the proliferation of epithelial cells. Therefore, a mutation of this protein results in cancerous changes in tissues. Research on this reaction has led to the initiation of treatment trials for cancers caused by the B-raf mutation by utilizing the inhibition of this particular protein. However, already developed and approved combination therapies. Research is underway on new specific inhibitors of the B-raf protein. The drugs used so far show partial success. In addition to surgical treatment and radiotherapy, combined inhibitors of BRAF and MEK are introduced. The development of an effective drug that inhibits the growth of neoplastic cells resulting from these mutations would allow the fight against cancer.

Keywords: B rapid accelerated fibrosarcoma (B-RAF), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), ameloblastoma, proliferative activity

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