Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1), also known as Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 2 (ERK2), is a crucial component of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. This pathway is essential for various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation, and development .
MAPK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that requires phosphorylation by upstream kinases for activation. Upon activation, MAPK1 translocates to the nucleus, where it phosphorylates nuclear targets . This kinase is known for its dual functionality: it can act as a kinase and as a transcriptional repressor independent of its kinase activity .
MAPK1 plays a significant role in integrating multiple biochemical signals. It is involved in various cellular processes such as:
MAPK1 has been implicated in several diseases, including cancer. Elevated expression of MAPK1 has been observed in human gastric cancer, where it promotes metastasis and invasion by regulating target genes . Additionally, MAPK1 is associated with Noonan Syndrome 13 and Specific Learning Disability .
The mouse anti-human MAPK1 antibody is commonly used in research to study the expression and function of MAPK1 in various human tissues. This antibody helps in detecting MAPK1 through various techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.