Enzymes
Product List
MAPK9 Human
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9 Human Recombinant
MAP2K6 Human
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 6 Human Recombinant
MAP2K6 Human, sf9
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 6 Human Recombinant, sf9
MAPK12 Human
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 12 Human Recombinant
MAPK14 Human
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 Human Recombinant
MAPK3 Human
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 Human Recombinant
MAPK3 Human, Active
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 Human Recombinant, Active
Introduction
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) are a family of serine/threonine-specific protein kinases involved in directing cellular responses to a diverse array of stimuli, such as mitogens, osmotic stress, heat shock, and proinflammatory cytokines . They regulate cell functions including proliferation, gene expression, differentiation, mitosis, cell survival, and apoptosis . MAPKs are found exclusively in eukaryotes and are classified into three main subfamilies:
Key Biological Properties: MAPKs are involved in various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival . They are activated by dual phosphorylation events and have a three-tiered pathway architecture .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: MAPKs are ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells, including animals, fungi, plants, and unicellular eukaryotes . They are particularly abundant in tissues that are frequently exposed to stress, such as the skin, liver, and immune cells .
Primary Biological Functions: MAPKs play crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival . They are also involved in immune responses and pathogen recognition by activating various transcriptional programs that lead to proinflammatory responses .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: MAPKs are essential for the activation of innate immune responses against invading microbial pathogens . They translocate into the nucleus and activate transcription factors that alter gene expression, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: MAPKs interact with various molecules and cells through phosphorylation cascades. They are activated by upstream kinases (MAPKKKs and MAPKKs) and, in turn, phosphorylate downstream substrates .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: MAPKs bind to scaffolding proteins that organize the signaling complexes and ensure specificity in signal transduction . They activate a wide range of downstream signaling cascades that regulate gene expression, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The activity of MAPKs is tightly regulated by phosphorylation of their activation loop, which can be modulated by positive and negative feedback mechanisms .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: MAPKs are regulated at the transcriptional level by various transcription factors. Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, also play crucial roles in modulating their activity .
Biomedical Research: MAPKs are extensively studied in biomedical research for their roles in cell signaling and disease mechanisms .
Diagnostic Tools: MAPKs serve as biomarkers for various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory disorders .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting MAPK pathways has therapeutic potential in treating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: MAPKs are involved in various stages of the life cycle, from development to aging and disease . They regulate embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis . Dysregulation of MAPK pathways is associated with aging and age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration .
