Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (p42 and p44) (p42/p44 MAPK or ERK1/2)

The p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), plays a crucial role in signal transduction pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It is activated by dual phosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine residues by MEK1/2. This enzyme is involved in various cellular processes and is a key therapeutic target in cancer therapy, among other diseases.

Other names

p42 MAPKp44 MAPKERK1ERK2

Drugs targeting this molecule typically inhibit the MAPK pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. MEK inhibitors block the phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 by MEK1/2, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling.