MAPK/ERK

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

MAPK/ERK Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD