MAPK/ERK

MAPK/ERK pathway is a chain of proteins in the cell that communicates a signal from a receptor on the surface of the cell to the DNA in the nucleus of the cell. The signal is passed from one protein to the next via phosphorylation, a process where a phosphate group is added to the protein, thus activating it. This pathway is part of the larger MAPK pathways which also includes the JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

Function

The MAPK/ERK pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell function, including proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. It is especially important in human cancers, where it is often upregulated.

Components

The main components of the MAPK/ERK pathway are Ras, Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2. Other proteins interact with these main components to regulate the pathway.

Activation

The MAPK/ERK pathway is activated by various types of cellular signals, including growth factors, cytokines, and environmental stresses. The activation process involves a series of phosphorylation events.

Inhibition

Several drugs have been developed to inhibit the MAPK/ERK pathway, as a strategy for cancer treatment. These include Raf inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and ERK inhibitors.

See also

• Signal transduction
• Protein kinase
• Phosphorylation
• Cancer

MAPK/ERK Resources
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