Description
The most common oncogenic mutations in multiple myeloma (MM) affect N- and K-RAS leading to constitutive activation of RAS-dependent signaling. Signal transduction via RAS, Raf and MAPK has been well described as a canonical pathway. In accordance with this assumption, we showed that the activity of the MEK/ERK module is strictly dependent on pan-Raf activity. However, inhibition of MEK/ERK has no or only minor effects on MM cell survival, whereas oncogenic Ras and pan-Raf critically contribute to survival of multiple myeloma cells. Therefore, we aimed to learn more about Raf-dependent but MEK-independent signaling effectors.