MAPK13

MAPK13 or Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 13 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MAPK13 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[edit | edit source]

The protein encoded by the MAPK13 gene is a member of the MAP kinase family. This kinase is activated by various environmental stresses and proinflammatory cytokines. The activation 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[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in cell cycle regulation and genotoxic stress response, MAPK13 has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer. Mutations in the MAPK13 gene have been associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer, including lung and colorectal cancer. In addition, MAPK13 has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer.