MAP KINASE SIGNALING PATHWAY (MAPK): ROLE IN HEALTH AND DISEASES

The MAP Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is fundamental in cellular processes, translating external stimuli into specific cellular responses such as growth, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis. MAPK pathways play essential roles in human health and diseases, acting as a hub for signal transduction that influences numerous biological functions.

AnyGenes provides advanced arrays and qPCR tools tailored for studying MAPK signaling pathways, offering researchers precision tools to analyze gene expression changes and pathway interactions. These products facilitate the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets, supporting breakthroughs in cancer, immune response, and metabolic disease research..

MAP Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway analysis with AnyGenes array.

Three major transduction pathways of the MAPK-signaling pathway. When chemical molecules of natural products enter the cell membrane, they interact with key target proteins of the MAPK-signaling pathway. These in turn activate the cascade response of the MAPK-signaling pathway, thereby regulating apoptosis in cancer cells.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE MAPK PATHWAY

MAPK signaling pathways are comprised of three major kinase groups:

MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAPKKK): The first tier, which includes proteins like Raf, is activated by upstream signals such as growth factors and small GTPases (e.g., Ras). Once activated, MAPKKKs phosphorylate and activate the next tier of kinases.
MAP Kinase Kinase (MAPKK): This middle tier, represented by kinases like MEK, receives signals from MAPKKKs and activates MAPKs through phosphorylation.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs): The final tier includes ERK (Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38 MAPK. These kinases are responsible for phosphorylating various substrates in the cytoplasm and nucleus, leading to changes in cellular functions and gene expression.

FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF MAPK PATHWAYS

The MAPK pathways are involved in numerous biological processes:

Cell Proliferation and Differentiation: The ERK pathway is primarily activated by growth factors and is essential for promoting cell growth and differentiation. It directly influences transcription factors that initiate gene expression programs necessary for these processes.
Stress Responses: The JNK and p38 pathways are activated in response to stress stimuli such as UV radiation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. These pathways play critical roles in apoptosis, inflammation, and cellular stress responses.
Signal Amplification and Specificity: The sequential activation of kinases allows for signal amplification. Additionally, scaffold proteins help maintain specificity within the pathways by organizing components into functional complexes

REGULATION OF MAPK SIGNALING

Precise regulation occurs through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mechanisms, managed by MAPK kinases (MAPKKs) and phosphatases that activate or deactivate specific pathway components. Scaffold proteins also play a crucial role by organizing MAPK pathway molecules, ensuring targeted signal transduction and minimizing cross-talk between pathways.

DYSREGULATION AND ASSOCIATED DISEASES OF TH MAPK PATHWAY

When MAPK signaling pathways become dysregulated, they can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal activation or suppression of these pathways disrupts normal cell functions, such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, leading to unregulated cell proliferation or survival. In cancers, for instance, mutations in MAPK components like BRAF or MEK can drive tumorigenesis. Understanding how dysregulation impacts disease progression aids in developing targeted therapies that aim to restore proper MAPK pathway function.

(1) Shi A, et al. Natural products targeting the MAPK-signaling pathway in cancer: overview. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. (2024)9;150(1):6.

(2) Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther. (2023)18;8(1):455.

(3) Yue J, López JM. Understanding MAPK Signaling Pathways in Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci. (2020)28;21(7):2346.

MAP KINASE SIGNALING PATHWAY BIOMARKER LIST

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Simply download and complete our Personalized SignArrays® information file and send it at contact@anygenes.com to get started on your project.

You can check the biomarker list included in this pathway, see below:

Species : Homo sapiens (human)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
MAP Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway	MAPK1H1	List infos

Species : Mus musculus (mouse)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
MAP Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway	MAPK1M1	List infos

Species : Rattus norvegicus (rat)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
MAP Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway	*******	List In progress...

Species : Sus Scrofa (Pig)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
MAP Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway	*******	List In progress...

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