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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline
Published on: November 29, 2016
Functions of the MAPK family in vertebrate-development
S F Gabby Krens1, Herman P Spaink, B Ewa Snaar-Jagalska
1Institute of Biology, Clusius Laboratory, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 64, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands. krens@rulbim.leidenuniv.nl
Abstract:
The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, consisting of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase, c-Jun amino terminal MAPK and p38 subfamilies, is conserved in evolution throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. These proteins have been implicated in diverse cellular processes including cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival and development. Gene-targeting approaches in mice, chickens, frogs and zebrafish revealed crucial roles of MAPK in vertebrate development. Gene-disruption or -silencing often lead to lethal effects, therefore the zebrafish ex utero development provides an excellent in vivo model to study the function of MAPK in early embryogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the MAPK family function in vertebrate-development and place this into the perspective of possibilities for future research.
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