Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2) (MAPK1 (ERK2))

Mitogen‑activated protein kinase 1—also known as extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 2—is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that acts as a central node in the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. This pathway is activated by various extracellular stimuli including growth factors and cytokines via receptor tyrosine kinases. The canonical cascade involves sequential activation through Ras GTPase → Raf kinases → MEK1/MEK2 → ERKs. Once activated by phosphorylation, MAPK1/ERK2 translocates to the nucleus where it regulates transcription factors and other substrates involved in cell cycle progression, differentiation, apoptosis prevention, and development. Dysregulation—often through mutations or overactivation—of this pathway is implicated in many cancers due to its role in promoting uncontrolled cell growth and survival. As such, components of this cascade are major therapeutic targets; several drugs inhibiting MEKs or upstream BRAF/Raf kinases are approved for use against specific cancers with activating mutations. However, targeting this essential signaling axis presents challenges related to toxicity and acquired drug resistance. Note on correctness ("is_incorrect"): The query refers broadly to "Mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathway including extracellular signal‑regulated kinase," which describes an entire **signaling cascade** rather than a single molecular target. For structured data purposes—and following conventions—the most precise canonical target is "Mitogen‑activated protein kinase 1" (MAPK1/ERK2), which is one key effector within this broader pathway. If you require information about another specific component within the same cascade—such as MEKs or Rafs—or about the entire multi-protein complex rather than an individual enzyme/protein target entity ("target"), further clarification would be needed. If you need structured entries for other members like "Mitogen‑activated protein kinase 3" (MAPK3/ERK1), "MEKs," or "Raf kinases," those should be handled separately using their respective canonical names.

Other names

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2ERK2MAP kinase 1p42-MAPK

Inhibition of upstream kinases to block ERK/MAPK pathway activation and downstream signaling for cell proliferation and survival