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Ras/MAPK/ERK Pathway

Meaning

The Ras/MAPK/ERK pathway is a fundamental, evolutionarily conserved signal transduction cascade within the cell that governs critical cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell survival, and migration. It acts as a central relay system, transmitting diverse extracellular signals from growth factors and hormones received at the cell surface to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. Dysregulation or persistent activation of this pathway is a common molecular feature in many cancers and developmental disorders, making it a major therapeutic target.