ETS domain-containing protein Elk-3 (ELK3)

ETS domain-containing protein Elk-3 (ELK3) is a member of the ETS-domain transcription factor family and the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily. It regulates gene expression in response to extracellular signals, largely through phosphorylation-dependent activation. In its basal (unphosphorylated) state, ELK3 primarily acts as a transcriptional repressor influencing genes that govern cell cycle progression and growth, but upon activation by phosphorylation via the Ras-MAPK/ERK pathway, it acts as a transcriptional activator involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis[1][3][4][6]. ELK3 forms a ternary complex with serum response factor (SRF) to control the expression of immediate-early genes, such as c-Fos. It plays significant roles in tumor cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and is implicated in chemoresistance, particularly in cancers such as prostate, breast, melanoma, and gastric carcinoma[4][5]. Loss or inhibition of ELK3 can suppress tumor vasculature and lymphatic dissemination, highlighting its relevance as a therapeutic target in oncology[1][5].

Other names

NETSAP2SAP-2ERPSerum response factor accessory protein 2SRF accessory protein 2ETS-related protein ERPETS-related protein NETELK3Ternary complex factor Net