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The role of ERK signaling pathway in pituitary adenomas: from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy

Jingwei Ye1, Yuan Wen2, Jingyang Zhan3

  • 1The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China.

Growth Factors (Chur, Switzerland)
|May 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The ERK pathway, crucial in cell growth and death, is implicated in cancer. Understanding its complex regulation and targeting it effectively is key for developing new anticancer therapies, especially for pituitary tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The ERK pathway, part of the MAPK family, is activated via the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK cascade.
  • Aberrant ERK signaling drives malignant tumor progression and is a key target for cancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the ERK pathway's regulatory network, including feedback, cross-talk, non-coding RNAs, and epigenetics.
  • To highlight ERK's dual role in cell proliferation and apoptosis, particularly in pituitary adenomas.
  • To discuss emerging ERK-targeted therapies and resistance mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of ERK pathway regulation.
  • Analysis of ERK's role in pituitary adenomas versus other cancers.
  • Exploration of current and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • The ERK pathway exhibits complex regulation involving feedback, cross-talk, non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications.
  • ERK plays a dual role, promoting both proliferation and apoptosis, with specific implications for pituitary tumors.
  • Resistance to ERK-targeted therapies is a significant challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into ERK pathway mechanisms is essential.
  • Computational modeling can elucidate complex regulatory networks.
  • Developing precise combination therapies is crucial for overcoming resistance and enabling personalized treatment for pituitary tumors and other cancers.
Keywords:
ERK pathwayERK-mTOR interactionfeedback regulation mechanismspituitary adenomapituitary adenoma resistancetargeted and combination therapy

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