Journal
CELLS
Volume 10, Issue 10, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/cells10102509
Keywords
RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling; apoptosis; DUSP/MKP; cancer treatment; ACA-28
Categories
Funding
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) - Strategic Research Foundation at Private Universities
- JSPS KAKENH
- Antiaging Project for Private Universities
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway regulates various cellular processes and its activation is linked to cell proliferation and cancer. Further research on the mechanisms of ERK activation is essential for developing effective cancer treatments.
The RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway regulates diverse cellular processes as exemplified by cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival. Activation of ERK1/2 generally promotes cell proliferation, and its deregulated activity is a hallmark of many cancers. Therefore, components and regulators of the ERK pathway are considered potential therapeutic targets for cancer, and inhibitors of this pathway, including some MEK and BRAF inhibitors, are already being used in the clinic. Notably, ERK1/2 kinases also have pro-apoptotic functions under certain conditions and enhanced ERK1/2 signaling can cause tumor cell death. Although the repertoire of the compounds which mediate ERK activation and apoptosis is expanding, and various anti-cancer compounds induce ERK activation while exerting their anti-proliferative effects, the mechanisms underlying ERK1/2-mediated cell death are still vague. Recent studies highlight the importance of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) in determining the pro- versus anti-apoptotic function of ERK in cancer. In this review, we will summarize the recent major findings in understanding the role of ERK in apoptosis, focusing on the major compounds mediating ERK-dependent apoptosis. Studies that further define the molecular targets of these compounds relevant to cell death will be essential to harnessing these compounds for developing effective cancer treatments.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available