Anti-MEK4/MKK4 (phospho S80) antibody [EP1075Y]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

MEK4 also known as MKK4 is a protein kinase with a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa. It functions as a dual-specificity kinase that phosphorylates and activates other kinases in cellular signaling pathways. MEK4 appears in various tissues including heart brain and skeletal muscle. It acts as an essential component in transmitting extracellular signals to downstream effectors and is involved in critical cellular processes like proliferation differentiation and apoptosis.

Biological function summary

MEK4 acts as an upstream kinase in the MAPK signaling cascade. Through its role in this pathway it is part of a larger signaling complex. MEK4 specifically activates JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) by phosphorylation. JNK further regulates gene expression by influencing transcription factors impacting cellular responses. This makes MEK4 a pivotal element in facilitating messenger roles that allow cells to adapt to changing environments such as stress responses and immune reactions.

Pathways

MEK4 plays significant roles in the MAPK and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathways. In the MAPK pathway MEK4 phosphorylates JNK thereby influencing cellular responses to environmental changes. Within the SAPK pathway MEK4 interacts with other kinases such as MKK7 to modulate cellular responses further. The flow of signals through these pathways affects cell fate cell cycle regulation and programmed cell death demonstrating its comprehensive influence on cell physiology.

Associated diseases and disorders

MEK4 shows involvement in cancer progression and neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal activation of MEK4 can contribute to tumor growth and metastasis in cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer by enhancing JNK signaling. In neurodegenerative disorders deregulation of MEK4-related pathways might lead to neuronal damage or apoptosis. Proteins like JNK and other MAP kinases become dysregulated in these conditions illustrating the interconnected role of MEK4 in disease mechanisms. Phospho flow cytometry can be utilized to measure alterations in MEK4 phosphorylation states aiding in elucidating its role in disease contexts.