These include KSR1 (KSR1), CRAF/RAF1 (RAF1), ERK (MAPK1) and RSK1 (RPS6KA1), which are involved in the ERK signaling pathway, suggesting that interfering with ERK activation renders HNSCC cells more sensitive to mTOR inhibition. The gene discussed is MTOR; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.