Negative regulation of RAF kinase activity by ATP is overcome by 14-3-3-induced dimerization

The RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK signaling axis is frequently activated in human cancers. Physiological concentrations of ATP prevent formation of RAF kinase-domain (RAFKD) dimers that are critical for activity. Here we present a 2.9-A-resolution crystal structure of human BRAFKD in complex with MEK and the ATP analog AMP-PCP, revealing interactions between BRAF and ATP that induce an inactive, monomeric conformation of BRAFKD. We also determine how 14-3-3 relieves the negative regulatory effect of ATP through a 2.5-A-resolution crystal structure of the BRAFKD–14-3-3 complex, in which dimeric 14-3-3 enforces a dimeric BRAFKD assembly to increase BRAF activity. Our data suggest that most oncogenic BRAF mutations alter interactions with ATP and counteract the negative effects of ATP binding by lowering the threshold for RAF dimerization and pathway activation. Our study establishes a framework for rationalizing oncogenic BRAF mutations and provides new avenues for improved RAF-inhibitor discovery. Crystal structures of human BRAF kinase domain with MEK and an ATP analog or with 14-3-3 reveal how ATP exerts a negative regulatory effect on the kinase and how this effect is relieved by dimeric 14-3-3.