Raf-1 is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell signaling, particularly in the MAPK/ERK pathway, which helps regulate cell growth, division, and survival. It acts as a kinase, meaning it adds phosphate groups to other proteins, thereby activating or deactivating them to transmit signals within the cell. Mutations in the Raf-1 gene can lead to various health issues, including certain types of cancer. Understanding Raf-1 and its functions is important for developing targeted therapies that can inhibit its activity in diseases where it is overactive, providing potential treatment options for patients.