TY - JOUR AU - McMillian, Brittany M AU - Monahan, Kimberly PY - 2012/03/25 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - pac-1 enhances Ras-Raf-Erk Signaling in C.elegan Vulval Cell Fate Patterning JF - Journal of Student Research JA - J Stud Res VL - 1 IS - 1 SE - DO - 10.47611/jsr.v1i1.72 UR - https://www.jsr.org/index.php/path/article/view/72 SP - 70-72 AB - <p>The Ras-Raf-Erk signaling pathway is essential for proper vulva development in <em>C.elegans</em> and proper response to stimuli in human cells. The importance of the conservation of these pathways shows how vulva development and cancer cells function like each other. The effect of Ras-Raf-Erk signaling in vulva development was examined by targeting <em>pac-1</em> with <em>RNAi</em> and then quantifying the number of vulva protrusions. The results from the experiment showed that the loss of <em>pac-1</em> inhibits ERK signaling in vulva development by decreasing the amount of vulva protrusions. This determined that normally <em>pac-1</em> increases ERK signaling in vulva development. The Ras-Raf-Erk pathway is activated in cancer and further understanding of the targets of this pathway will help us better understand how cancer develops.</p> ER -