In particular, AKT and ERK function as central nodes in melanoma signaling networks: AKT primarily governs cell survival, metabolism, angiogenesis, and apoptosis resistance via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis (44, 45), while ERK, as part of the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade, drives cell cycle progression, differentiation, migration, and transcriptional activation of oncogenes such as c-Myc and regulators like Cyclin D (46). The gene discussed is MTOR; the disease is melanoma.