MAP2K6 Human, sf9

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 6 (MAP2K6), also known as MKK6, is a crucial component of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. This pathway plays a significant role in cellular responses to various stimuli, including stress, cytokines, and growth factors. MAP2K6 is a dual specificity protein kinase, meaning it can phosphorylate both threonine and tyrosine residues on its substrate proteins .

The MAP2K6 gene is located on chromosome 17 in humans and encodes a protein that is approximately 334 amino acids long . The protein has several aliases, including SAPKK3, MEK6, and PRKMK6 . The human recombinant form of MAP2K6, expressed in Sf9 cells (a cell line derived from the fall armyworm), is often used in research to study its function and regulation .

MAP2K6 is an essential activator of the p38 MAP kinase pathway. It phosphorylates and activates p38 MAP kinases (MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPK13, and MAPK14) in response to inflammatory cytokines or environmental stress . This activation leads to various cellular processes, including stress-induced cell cycle arrest, transcription activation, and apoptosis .

MAP2K6 is expressed in various tissues and is regulated by multiple factors. It is particularly important in the regulation of cellular responses to cytokines and stress . The recombinant form of MAP2K6, expressed in Sf9 cells, allows researchers to study its activity and regulation in a controlled environment .

Mutations or dysregulation of MAP2K6 have been associated with several diseases, including congenital myopathy and colorectal cancer . Understanding the function and regulation of MAP2K6 can provide insights into these diseases and potential therapeutic targets.