MAPK12

MAPK12 or Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 12 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MAPK12 gene. It is a member of the MAP kinase family. MAP kinases, also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals, and are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation and development.

Function

The protein encoded by the MAPK12 gene is a member of the p38 MAP kinase family. These kinases are known to be activated by environmental stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The activation of this kinase requires its phosphorylation by MAP kinase kinases (MKKs), or its autophosphorylation triggered by the interaction of MAP3K7IP1/TAB1 protein with this kinase. The substrates of this kinase include transcription regulator ATF2, MEF2C, and MAX, cell cycle regulator CDC25B, and tumor suppressor p53, which suggest the roles of this kinase in stress related transcription and cell cycle regulation, as well as in genotoxic stress response.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of MAPK12 have been associated with several pathologies, including cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. In cancer, MAPK12 has been found to be overexpressed in several types of tumors, suggesting a role in tumor progression and metastasis. In inflammation, MAPK12 is involved in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and in the regulation of immune responses. In cardiovascular diseases, MAPK12 has been implicated in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and in the response to myocardial infarction.

See also

• MAP kinase
• MAP kinase kinase
• MAP kinase kinase kinase

External links

• MAPK12 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information