Dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3 (also commonly called MKK3))

Dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3, also known as MKK3) is a serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase that functions as an upstream activator in the MAP kinase signaling cascade, especially the p38 MAPK pathway. It is activated by various stress signals, cytokines, and mitogens, and in turn phosphorylates and activates p38 MAPKs, which mediate diverse cellular processes such as inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and response to environmental stress. MAP2K3 has gained attention as a molecular target in cancer therapy due to its role in promoting tumor cell survival and proliferation, particularly in tumors with mutant p53. It is also involved in cardiovascular and inflammatory responses. While not yet a common direct therapeutic target, it remains under active research for its roles in disease and potential for targeted intervention in oncology and other areas.

Other names

MAP kinase kinase 3MAPK/ERK kinase 3MAPKK 3MEK3MKK3PRKMK3SAPK kinase 2SAPKK-2SAPKK2SKK2Stress-activated protein kinase kinase 2

Competitive inhibition of kinase activity RNA interference (siRNA or shRNA knockdown) leading to reduced protein levels and downstream signaling