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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
07:43
Immunohistochemical Visualization of Hippocampal Neuron Activity After Spatial Learning in a Mouse Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published on: May 12, 2015
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MAP/ERK Signaling in Developing Cognitive and Emotional Function and Its Effect on Pathological and Neurodegenerative
Héctor Albert-Gascó1, Francisco Ros-Bernal2, Esther Castillo-Gómez2,3
1UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 27, 2020
Summary
The microtubule-associated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is crucial for brain development and function. Dysregulation of this pathway is linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The MAPK/ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling mechanism for cellular communication.
- ERK is ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system, playing roles across development and adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of the MAPK/ERK pathway in the central nervous system.
- To highlight the involvement of ERK signaling in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes.
- To identify knowledge gaps regarding ERK targets in various neural contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MAPK/ERK signaling in the CNS.
- Analysis of ERK's temporal and spatial expression patterns.
- Examination of ERK's role in development, mature function, and disease.
Main Results:
- ERK is vital for embryonic development, including neural progenitor fate and migration.
- Postnatally, ERK influences dendritic maturation and synaptogenesis.
- In adulthood, ERK is implicated in behavior, memory, and neuroinflammation associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Conclusions:
- The MAPK/ERK pathway is essential for normal brain function and development.
- Aberrations in ERK signaling contribute to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the targets of phosphorylated ERK in diverse neural settings.
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