BRAF (gene)

BRAF (gene)

BRAF (pronounced as B-R-A-F) is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein that helps transmit signals within cells (intracellular signaling), which are important for cell growth and division.

Etymology

The term "BRAF" is an acronym derived from "v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B," a name that reflects the gene's discovery as a human counterpart to a gene identified in a mouse virus.

Function

The BRAF gene belongs to a class of genes known as oncogenes. When mutated, oncogenes have the potential to cause normal cells to become cancerous. The protein produced by the BRAF gene is part of a signaling pathway known as the RAS/MAPK pathway, which controls several important cell functions. Specifically, the BRAF protein is involved in transmitting chemical signals from outside the cell to the cell's nucleus.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the BRAF gene have been associated with various cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma of lung. These mutations can be present in the germline, leading to cancer predisposition syndromes, or in somatic cells, resulting in sporadic cancers.

Related terms

• Oncogene
• Mutation
• Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Colorectal cancer
• Melanoma
• Thyroid carcinoma
• Non-small cell lung carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma of lung
• Germline
• Somatic cells
• Cancer predisposition syndromes
• Sporadic cancers

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on BRAF (gene)
• Wikipedia's article - BRAF (gene)

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