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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline
Published on: November 29, 2016
A compendium of ERK targets
Evrim B Ünal1,2, Florian Uhlitz1,2, Nils Blüthgen1,2,3
1Integrative Research Institute Life Sciences & Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
The RAF-MEK-ERK cascade is one of the most studied signaling pathways as it controls many vital cellular programs. There has been an immense amount of effort to determine ERK target proteins involved in regulating these programs. Classical biochemical and genetic approaches have elicited hundreds of direct ERK substrates, and with the advent of phospho-proteomic technologies, numerous studies have expanded the number of ERK target proteins. Here, we compile a comprehensive ERK target phospho-site archive, in which we gathered information from various research studies, and we provide this archive as an online database to form a searchable compendium of ERK targets.
Insights
This study compiles a comprehensive archive of ERK target proteins, creating a searchable online database. This resource aids researchers in understanding vital cellular programs regulated by the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- The RAF-MEK-ERK cascade is a critical signaling pathway regulating essential cellular functions.
- Identifying Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) targets is crucial for understanding cellular programming.
- Previous efforts using biochemical and genetic methods identified numerous ERK substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive archive of ERK target phospho-sites.
- To develop a searchable online database of ERK targets.
- To facilitate research into cellular programs controlled by the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to gather information on ERK target proteins.
- Compilation of data from various research studies.
- Development of an online, searchable database.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive archive of ERK target phospho-sites has been compiled.
- An online, searchable compendium of ERK targets is now available.
- The database integrates information from diverse research studies.
Conclusions:
- The developed online database provides a valuable resource for researchers studying the ERK pathway.
- This compendium enhances the ability to investigate cellular programs regulated by ERK.
- The archive consolidates existing knowledge, enabling new discoveries in cell signaling.
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