Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MEK2) (MEK1, MEK2)

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MEK2) are dual-specificity protein kinases that play a central role in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade. This pathway transmits signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Abnormal activation of MEK1/2, often due to upstream mutations in RAS or BRAF, drives oncogenesis in various cancers. Selective inhibition of MEK1/2 with small-molecule drugs like selumetinib interrupts this signaling, providing a therapeutic strategy for cancers with dysregulated MAPK pathway activity.

Other names

MEK1MAP2K1MEK2MAP2K2

Inhibition of MEK1/2 blocks phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2, suppressing MAPK signaling