Which type of cell-surface receptor activates the Ras and MAP kinase pathway for tumor growth?

The correct response is that receptor tyrosine kinase receptors are responsible for activating the Ras and MAP kinase pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and survival, processes that are frequently dysregulated in cancers.

Upon binding of a ligand, receptor tyrosine kinases undergo dimerization and autophosphorylation, leading to the activation of various downstream signaling pathways. One of the key pathways activated is the Ras-MAP kinase signaling cascade. This signaling pathway propagates growth signals from the receptor to the nucleus, ultimately influencing cell cycle progression and contributing to tumor growth.

In the context of cancer, mutations or aberrations in this signaling pathway can enhance its signaling capabilities, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor development, highlighting the importance of receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer biology.