Mitogen-activated protein kinase

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Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a type of protein kinase that is specific to the amino acids serine and threonine. MAPKs are involved in directing cellular responses to a diverse array of stimuli, such as mitogens, osmotic stress, heat shock and proinflammatory cytokines. They regulate cell functions including proliferation, gene expression, differentiation, mitosis, cell survival, and apoptosis.

Structure[edit | edit source]

MAPKs are a family of related proteins, which are classified into three major groups: extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 MAP kinases. Each group has its own set of activation signals. MAPKs are composed of a core of three protein kinases - an activated MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K), which phosphorylates and activates a specific MAPK kinase (MAP2K), which in turn phosphorylates and activates a MAPK.

Function[edit | edit source]

MAPKs play a role in the mechanisms of cell decision and adaptation to external stimuli. They are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and death. The MAPK signaling pathway is used by eukaryotic cells to convert extracellular signals into various cellular responses.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in MAPK signaling pathways have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. As such, MAPKs are the focus of considerable research and are viewed as promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD