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MEK genomics in development and disease

Jennifer L Bromberg-White1, Nicholas J Andersen, Nicholas S Duesbery

  • 1Laboratory of Cancer and Developmental Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.

Briefings in Functional Genomics
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genomic variations in mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEKs) are more common than previously thought. These MEK mutations impact development and disease, including cancer treatment resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPK/ERK kinases; MEKs) are crucial signaling proteins.
  • Previously, MEK mutations were presumed to be lethal.
  • Recent findings challenge this assumption regarding MEK1 and MEK2.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding MEK genomic variation.
  • To correlate these findings with MEK structure and function.
  • To elucidate the evolving role of MEKs in development and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on MEK mutations and genomic variants.
  • Analysis of existing data on MEK structure and function.
  • Synthesis of findings to re-evaluate MEK roles.

Main Results:

  • Identification of MEK1 and MEK2 mutations in developmental syndromes.
  • Discovery of MEK mutations conferring chemotherapy resistance in tumors.
  • Recognition of broader genomic variation in MEKs than previously appreciated.

Conclusions:

  • MEK genomic variation has significant implications for development.
  • Altered MEK function contributes to various diseases, including cancer.
  • Understanding MEK variation is critical for therapeutic strategies.

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