Raf kinase

Raf kinase is an enzyme involved in a critical cell signaling pathway that regulates cell growth, division, and survival. It acts as a molecular switch, becoming active when triggered by signals from outside the cell. Once activated, Raf kinase phosphorylates (adds a chemical group to) other proteins in the pathway, propagating the signal downstream to promote cellular responses. Proper functioning of Raf kinase is essential for normal cell behavior, but mutations or abnormalities can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, contributing to cancer development. It plays a key role in maintaining cellular health and responding to environmental cues.