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ERK/MAPK signalling pathway and tumorigenesis

Yan-Jun Guo1, Wei-Wei Pan1, Sheng-Bing Liu1

  • 1Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|February 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, particularly the Ras/Raf/MAPK (MEK)/ERK cascade, are vital for cell signaling. Their dysregulation is critical in cancer development, influencing tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades regulate fundamental cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are crucial serine-threonine kinases involved in normal development and disease.
  • Hyperactivation of ERK signaling is a significant driver in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on Ras and ERK pathway members.
  • To highlight the role of ERK in tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
  • To emphasize the involvement of the ERK/MAPK pathway in tumor extracellular matrix degradation and angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on Ras and ERK pathway members.
  • Analysis of downstream effects of ERK activation in cancer.
  • Focus on the ERK/MAPK pathway's role in tumor microenvironment modulation.

Main Results:

  • The Ras/Raf/MAPK (MEK)/ERK pathway is a critical signaling cascade for tumor cell survival and development.
  • ERK activation is implicated in promoting tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
  • The ERK/MAPK pathway contributes to tumor extracellular matrix degradation and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The ERK/MAPK signaling pathway is a key regulator of tumor progression.
  • Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway presents a potential therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
  • Understanding ERK's role in tumor microenvironment dynamics is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
ERKRafRascancerextracellular signal-regulated kinasemitogen-activated protein kinasepathwaytumorigenesis

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