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ERKonomics: MAPK assets and liabilities
Author(s) -
Cobb Melanie H.,
Zaganjor Elma,
Dioum Elhadji,
Wauson Eric M.,
He Min
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.322.1
Subject(s) - kinase , cytoplasm , mapk/erk pathway , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , transcription factor , chromatin , organelle , protein kinase a , gene , genetics
Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are universal elements of signaling pathways. ERK2 and/or the closely related protein kinase ERK1 are required not only for differentiation, and proliferation, but also for the everyday functions of differentiated cells. ERK1/2 activation kinetics can be manipulated pharmacologically and impact pathway output. Inappropriate activities of ERK1/2 contribute to diseases ranging from cardiofacio‐ cutaneous syndrome to diabetes to cancer. Actions of ERK1/2 in nutrient sensing in pancreatic beta cells contribute both positively and negatively to insulin production by regulating insulin gene transcription and other events at the level of chromatin. ERK1/2 activities are important for proper organization of cytoplasmic organelles and also mediate morphological changes caused by mutant K‐Ras through regulatory events in the cytoplasm.