Today we’ll discuss BRAF – a gene found on chromosome seven that encodes a protein also called BRAF. BRAF protein is a serine-threonine kinase that plays a role in cell growth by sending signals inside the cell promoting cell division.
The BRAF proteins are a component of the RAS-RAF-MAPK signaling pathway. Mutations in BRAF are a cause of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and papillary thyroid cancers. BRAF mutations have been associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and potential resistance to EGFR-targeted agents. In 80–90% of the cases, mutations consist of the substitution of glutamic acid for valine at amino acid 600 (V600E mutation). It was shown that the tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Vemurafenib produce tumor regressions in patients with V600 mutant melanoma, for several other inhibitors clinical trials are in progress.
You can find more details about recent research here.
Combining BRAF inhibitors with MEK inhibitors provides a more complete blockade of the MAPK pathway. Still, the treatment of metastatic melanoma remains a challenge. A better understanding of resistance mechanisms for all potential therapies through clinical trials and preclinical studies can help improve treatment outcomes in the future.
.png)