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Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 in inflammatory, cancer, and neurological diseases
Amada D Caliz1, Anastassiia Vertii2, Vijay Fisch1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
Abstract:
Stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) is a member of the dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase family. In the human body, MKK7 controls essential physiological processes, including but not limited to proliferation and differentiation in multiple tissues and organs. MKK7, along with the MKK4 pathway, has been implicated in stress-activated activities and biological events that are mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Although numerous studies have been performed to identify the role of JNK in multiple biological processes, there are limited publications that focus on dissecting the independent role of MKK7. Recent research findings have spurred testing via in vivo genetically deficient models, uncovering previously undocumented JNK-independent functions of MKK7. Here we discuss both JNK-dependent and-independent functions of MKK7 in vivo. This review summarizes the role of MKK7 in inflammation, cytokine production, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Insights
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) regulates key cell processes. New research reveals MKK7’s crucial JNK-independent functions in inflammation, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Physiology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) is a dual-specificity kinase involved in stress responses.
- MKK7 and MKK4 pathways mediate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling.
- Limited research has focused on MKK7's independent functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the JNK-dependent and JNK-independent functions of MKK7.
- To highlight MKK7's role in various physiological processes and diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature.
- Analysis of findings from in vivo genetically deficient models.
Main Results:
- MKK7 controls proliferation and differentiation.
- MKK7 has documented JNK-independent functions.
- MKK7 plays a role in inflammation, cytokine production, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Conclusions:
- MKK7 exhibits significant JNK-dependent and JNK-independent roles.
- Further investigation into MKK7's functions is warranted for understanding disease mechanisms.
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