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B-raf
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Understand how scientists understand and treat melanoma by targeting the gene B-Raf oncogene
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B-raf

protein
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Understand how scientists understand and treat melanoma by targeting the gene B-Raf oncogene
Understand how scientists understand and treat melanoma by targeting the gene B-Raf oncogene Learn how scientists use genomics to understand and treat melanoma.

The B-raf protein is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals within cells. These signals regulate cell growth, differentiation, and the suppression of programmed cell death.12

Approximately 50 percent of melanomas are linked to spontaneous mutations in the BRAF gene, which produces the B-raf protein. When the BRAF gene has activating mutations, it leads to a constantly active B-raf kinase. This unregulated enzyme continuously transmits signals, causing uncontrolled cell proliferation and initiating the development of cancer cells that lead to melanoma. Mutations in BRAF are often acquired due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. cancer - Loss of function of the RB protein
  2. melanoma

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