RAF kinases are a family of threeserine/threonine-specific protein kinases that are related toretroviraloncogenes.[11] The mouse sarcoma virus 3611 contains a RAF kinase-related oncogene that enhancesfibrosarcoma induction. RAF is an acronym forRapidlyAcceleratedFibrosarcoma.[12]
RAF kinases participate in theRAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signal transduction cascade, also referred to as themitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade.[11] Activation of RAF kinases requires interaction withRAS-GTPases.
The three RAF kinase family members are: