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Role of the Atypical MAPK ERK3 in Cancer Growth and Progression

Lobna Elkhadragy1,2, Amanda Myers1, Weiwen Long1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.

Cancers
|April 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3), an atypical MAPK, has newly revealed roles in cell functions and cancer. Recent studies uncover its regulation via post-translational modifications and its involvement in cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with unique structural and regulatory properties.
  • Its functions, substrates, and regulation have been largely unknown since its discovery in 1991.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the biochemical and cellular functions of ERK3.
  • To highlight ERK3's emerging roles in various biological processes, particularly in cancer.
  • To discuss the molecular mechanisms regulating ERK3 expression and activity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on ERK3 signaling.
  • Analysis of published data on ERK3's biological functions and regulation.
  • Focus on post-translational modifications (PTMs) affecting ERK3.

Main Results:

  • ERK3 plays significant roles in neuronal morphogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, and endothelial/epithelial cell functions.
  • ERK3 is implicated in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance.
  • Post-translational modifications like ubiquitination, hydroxylation, and phosphorylation regulate ERK3 stability and activity.

Conclusions:

  • ERK3 is a crucial signaling molecule with diverse biological functions.
  • ERK3's dysregulation is linked to cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding ERK3 regulation is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.
Keywords:
ERK3MAPKcancercell growthcell migration and invasionkinase signalingpost-translational modifications (PTMs)tumor development and progression

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