MAPK1 Human, Active

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 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 . MAPK1, along with MAPK3 (ERK1), is involved in mediating diverse biological functions, including cell growth, adhesion, survival, and differentiation .

Upon activation, MAPK1 translocates to the nucleus of stimulated cells, where it phosphorylates nuclear targets. This phosphorylation event is crucial for the regulation of transcription, translation, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and other cellular processes . MAPK1 has been identified as a moonlighting protein, meaning it can perform mechanistically distinct functions .

Recombinant MAPK1 is a non-glycosylated protein that contains the full-length chain of amino acids from Met1 to Ser360, with a calculated molecular mass of approximately 41,762 Daltons . It is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to ensure its activity and purity .

The MAPK/ERK pathway, in which MAPK1 plays a central role, is involved in the regulation of meiosis, mitosis, and postmitotic functions in differentiated cells. This pathway also plays a role in the initiation and regulation of various cellular processes, including apoptosis, translation, and endosomal dynamics . MAPK1 phosphorylates a wide range of substrates, including transcription factors, cytoskeletal elements, regulators of apoptosis, and other signaling-related molecules .

Mutations and dysregulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, Noonan Syndrome 13, and specific learning disabilities . Understanding the function and regulation of MAPK1 is crucial for developing targeted therapies for these conditions.