For optimal storage, MAPK1 should be kept at 4°C if the entire vial will be used within 2-4 weeks. For long-term storage, storing at -20°C is recommended. It is important to avoid repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.
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 integral to various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation, and development .
MAPK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a pivotal role in the MAPK/ERK cascade. This cascade is activated by various extracellular signals, such as growth factors and phorbol esters, which are then transduced into intracellular responses . Upon activation, MAPK1 translocates to the nucleus, where it phosphorylates nuclear targets, thereby influencing gene expression .
The activation of MAPK1 requires phosphorylation by upstream kinases. Once activated, MAPK1 can phosphorylate a variety of substrates, including transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, and other kinases. This phosphorylation event is critical for the regulation of cellular activities such as gene expression, mitosis, differentiation, and cell survival .
MAPK1 is involved in a wide range of cellular processes:
MAPK1 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Elevated expression of MAPK1 has been observed in several types of cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing cell proliferation and survival . Additionally, MAPK1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment, as inhibiting its activity can reduce tumor growth and improve patient outcomes .
Human recombinant MAPK1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the MAPK1 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of MAPK1, which can be used for various research and therapeutic applications. Recombinant MAPK1 is used in studies to understand its function, regulation, and role in disease, as well as in the development of MAPK1 inhibitors for therapeutic purposes .