C-Raf, also known as Raf-1, is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell signaling pathways, particularly in the MAPK/ERK pathway. This pathway is essential for regulating various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and survival. C-Raf acts as a kinase, meaning it adds phosphate groups to other proteins, which can activate or deactivate their functions. C-Raf is often studied in the context of cancer research, as its dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Understanding C-Raf's function and interactions can help in developing targeted therapies for cancers where this protein is overactive or mutated, contributing to tumor growth and resistance to treatment.