The p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) signaling pathway can be activated in response to a diverse range of extracellular stimuli, including mitogens, growth factors, and cytokines, and research investigators consider it an important target in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Upon stimulation, a sequential three-part protein kinase cascade is initiated, consisting of a MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK or MAP3K), a MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK or MAP2K), and a MAP kinase (MAPK). Multiple p44/42 MAP3Ks have been identified, including members of the Raf family, as well as Mos and Tpl2/COT. MEK1 and MEK2 are the primary MAPKKs in this pathway. MEK1 and MEK2 activate p44 and p42 through phosphorylation of activation loop residues Thr202/Tyr204 and Thr185/Tyr187, respectively. Several downstream targets of p44/42 have been identified, including p90RSK and the transcription factor Elk-1. p44/42 are negatively regulated by a family of dual specificity (Thr/Tyr) MAPK phosphatases, known as DUSPs or MKPs, along with MEK inhibitors, such as U0126 and PD98059.
