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Differential expression of MEK1 and MEK2 during mouse development
A Alessandrini1, B K Brott, R L Erikson
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Cell Growth & Differentiation : the Molecular Biology Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Map/Erk kinase 2 (MEK2) is crucial for embryonic development, while Map/Erk kinase 1 (MEK1) is more active in adult tissues, suggesting distinct roles in cell signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Map/Erk kinase 1 (MEK1) and MEK2 are key activators of Erk/MAP kinases, involved in cell growth and differentiation.
- Understanding the specific roles of MEK1 and MEK2 in development and adult physiology is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and activity of MEK1 and MEK2 in various murine tissues during embryonic development and in adulthood.
- To elucidate the distinct functions of MEK1 and MEK2 in cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization and Northern blot analyses to examine MEK RNA expression in embryonic and adult mouse tissues.
- Western blot analyses to assess MEK1 and MEK2 protein levels and kinase activity.
- Analysis of tissues from 14.5-day-old mouse embryos and adult mice.
Main Results:
- MEK2 RNA message is highly expressed in all examined embryonic tissues, including neural tissues and liver.
- MEK1 expression is low in most embryonic tissues but detectable in skeletal muscle, with higher levels in adult brain.
- Western blot analysis confirmed RNA expression patterns, with high MEK1 kinase activity observed in adult brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- MEK2 likely serves as the primary Erk/MAP kinase activator during mouse development.
- MEK1 may play a significant role in proliferative or mitogenic responses in adult mouse tissues.
- MEK1 and MEK2 may possess unique, non-redundant functions rather than overlapping roles.