Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Temporal Quantification of MAPK Induced Expression in Single Yeast Cells
Published on: October 4, 2013
Expression and characterization of MAP kinases in bacteria
Charles J Heise1, Melanie H Cobb
1Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA.
Abstract:
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are common signal transducers in all eukaryotic organisms. MAPKs are activated by protein kinase cascades consisting of MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks) and MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks). Extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are the best characterized MAPKs. Like other MAPKs their activity is regulated by dual phosphorylation as well as dephosphorylation by a host of phosphoprotein phosphatases. The ability to phosphorylate or thiophosphorylate ERK2 in vitro, as described here, is valuable for use in downstream applications designed to investigate MAPK signaling networks.
Insights
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are crucial in eukaryotic cell signaling. This study details methods to phosphorylate or thiophosphorylate ERK2 in vitro, aiding MAPK network research.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are essential signal transducers in eukaryotes.
- MAPKs, including Extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), are activated via kinase cascades (MAP3Ks, MAP2Ks).
- MAPK activity is tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for in vitro phosphorylation and thiophosphorylation of ERK2.
- To provide a tool for investigating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- In vitro phosphorylation of ERK2.
- In vitro thiophosphorylation of ERK2.
Main Results:
- Successful phosphorylation of ERK2 in vitro.
- Successful thiophosphorylation of ERK2 in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The described in vitro phosphorylation and thiophosphorylation methods are valuable for studying MAPK signaling.
- These techniques enable further investigation into the complex MAPK signaling networks.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

