Which signaling pathway is commonly associated with cancer?

The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway is crucially linked to cancer due to its role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Mutations in components of this pathway often lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, characteristics typical of cancerous cells. For instance, mutations in the RAS gene can result in its constant activation, driving oncogenic processes and allowing cells to proliferate independently of growth factors.

In many cancers, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, the RAS/MAPK pathway is frequently found to be aberrantly activated. This pathway influences various downstream effectors, including transcription factors that drive the expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression and growth, thus promoting the malignant phenotype.

While the other signaling pathways listed are also involved in various aspects of cell regulation and can contribute to tumorigenesis, the RAS/MAPK pathway is particularly renowned for its direct implications in oncogenic transformation, making it a key target for cancer research and therapy.