ERK SIGNALING PATHWAY: KEY REGULATOR OF CELLULAR PROCESSES
The ERK signaling pathway (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase) is a critical component of the MAPK pathway (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase). It plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration.
At AnyGenes, we provide cutting-edge qPCR SignArrays®that enable high-throughput analysis of the ERK signaling pathway. Our customizable arrays allow researchers to explore the role of key components within the pathway across different species, including human, mouse, rat and pig. With AnyGenes’s advanced tools, scientists can gain valuable insights into the ERK pathway’s mechanisms and its implications for disease progression and therapy development.
RAS RAF (Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma) including BRAF, CRAF or ARAF
MEK1/2 (MAPK/ERK kinase)
ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase)
Transcription Factors
Scoffolding Proteins such as KSR (Kinase Suppressor of RAS)
Negative Regulators, Phosphatase like DUSP (Dual Specificity Phosphatase)
HOW ERK PATHWAY WORKS?
ERK signaling is activated by a range of stimuli, such as growth factors, hormones and stress signals. The external signals trigger a cascade of phosphorylation events, starting from RAS (a small GTPase) and RAF (like BRAF or CRAF) proteins, leading to the activation of MEK1/2 and ultimately ERK1/2. Once activated, ERK translocates to the nucleus, where it phosphorylates transcription factors like ELK-1, FOS and JUN. This leads to the activation or repression of genes control cellular activities like division and survival.
ERK SIGNALING IN DISEASES
Dysregulation of ERK pathway is a hallmark of several diseases, particularly cancer. In many tumors, mutation in RAS or RAS genes lead to constant activation of ERK signaling, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation. ERK abnormalities are also implicated in other conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
THERAPEUTIC TARGETING
Given its pivotal role in cancer biology, the ERK pathway is a prime target for therapeutic intervention. Inhibitors targeting Ras, Raf, MEK and downstream effectors are under investigation in clinical trials aimed at treating various cancer. Understanding the specific interactions and regulatory mechanisms within this pathway is crucial for developing effective therapies.
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.
Guo YJ, et al. ERK/MAPK signalling pathway and tumorigenesis. Exp Ther Med. (2020)Mar;19(3):1997-2007.
Arkun Y, Yasemi M. Dynamics and control of the ERK signaling pathway: Sensitivity, bistability, and oscillations. PLoS One. (2018)9;13(4):e0195513.