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Photostimulation by Femtosecond Laser Activates Extracellular-signal-regulated Kinase ERK Signaling or Mitochondrial Events in Target Cells
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Extracellular-Regulated Kinases: Signaling From Ras to ERK Substrates to Control Biological Outcomes

Scott T Eblen1

  • 1Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.

Advances in Cancer Research
|March 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are vital for cell signaling, development, and cancer. This review details their regulation, activation pathways, and downstream substrates involved in critical cellular processes.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are serine-threonine kinases crucial for cellular signaling.
  • Their regulation is essential for normal development, while hyperactivation contributes to cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation of the Ras to ERK pathway, including activation mechanisms.
  • To highlight key ERK substrates and their roles in cellular functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of research on ERK1/ERK2.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving growth factors and cell adhesion.
  • Identification of downstream ERK substrates and their functions.

Main Results:

  • ERK1/ERK2 activation is regulated by growth factors and cell adhesion pathways.
  • ERK substrates are involved in feedback regulation, cell migration, and cell cycle progression.
  • ERK signaling impacts transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, and protein synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • ERK1/ERK2 play a central role in diverse cellular processes.
  • Understanding ERK regulation and substrates is key for addressing cancer and other pathologies.
Keywords:
AdhesionERKFeedbackMEKProliferationRASRafSignalingSubstrates

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