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Targeting pathological ERK1/2 signaling in cancer and beyond
Constanze Schanbacher1, Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler2, Brenda Gerull3
1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|September 6, 2025
Summary
Targeting the RAF-MEK-ERK1/2 pathway offers new therapeutic strategies for diseases beyond cancer. Lessons from cancer drug development inform treatments for conditions like RASopathies involving ERK1/2 dysregulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- The RAF-MEK-ERK1/2 pathway is crucial in cellular signaling and its dysregulation contributes to various diseases, notably cancer.
- Targeted therapies against this pathway have been developed for cancer, leading to increased understanding of ERK1/2 functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in targeting MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases.
- To explore the application of cancer therapy insights to other diseases with ERK1/2 pathway involvement.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on MEK and ERK targeting strategies.
- Analysis of drug development, clinical outcomes, and resistance mechanisms in cancer therapy.
- Exploration of ERK1/2 dysregulation in non-cancerous conditions.
Main Results:
- Targeting MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 has shown promise in cancer treatment, yielding valuable data on pathway modulation.
- Understanding of ERK1/2's physiological and pathological roles has expanded significantly through cancer research.
- Potential for repurposing these therapeutic strategies for genetic disorders like RASopathies is emerging.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the RAF-MEK-ERK1/2 pathway is a dynamic field with implications extending beyond oncology.
- Insights gained from cancer therapies provide a foundation for novel treatment approaches in other ERK1/2-related disorders.
- Further research into MEK and ERK targeting may unlock new therapeutic avenues for a broader range of diseases.
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