The MAPK pathway is often aberrantly stimulated by BCR-ABL oncoproteins through direct binding with RAS activators, and aberrant MAPK activation plays significant roles in the onset and progression of leukemia.509 In addition, MAPK phosphorylation is frequently associated with autophagic structures, suggesting that microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II–positive membranes and ATG5- and ATG12-positive pre-autophagosomes may serve as scaffolds or cellular signaling platforms for the RAF–MEK–ERK cascade, facilitating ERK pathway activation510. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK1 and leukemia.