MAPK signaling pathway

See our MAPK signaling pathway poster for a detailed overview of MAPK-ERK, MAPK-JNK, and MAPK-p38 signaling cascades. 

Download the MAPK signaling pathway poster here. 

​Updated August 15, 2023.

An overview of MAPK signaling

Mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signaling pathways that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress responses, under both normal and pathological conditions¹.  

The MAPKs are evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases that are part of a core pathway featuring MAPK-kinase-kinase (MAPKKK), MAPK-Kinase (MAPKK), and MAPK. Upon activation by mitogens, growth factors, and other stimuli, MAPKKK, which is nearest to the signal source, phosphorylates MAPKK. The activated MAPKK subsequently phosphorylates MAPK, the third layer of the cascade². ​​In mammalian cells, three MAPK families have been clearly characterized: classical MAPK (also known as an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)), c-Jun N-terminal kinase/ stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK), and p38 kinase³.

In many cancers, these pathway members are often either deregulated or mutated. 

What to expect from our MAPK signaling pathway poster

MAPK-ERK signaling cascade

In this signaling pathway, ERK1 and ERK2 are activated in response to various mitogenic factors, differentiation stimuli, and cytokines. ERK1/2 signaling plays a critical role in cell proliferation by regulating cell growth and cell cycle progression, which has led to the development of ERK1/2 inhibitors.

References:

1. Guo, Y.J., et al. ERK/MAPK signalling pathway and tumorigenesis. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 19(3), 1997-2007 (2020)

2. Munshi, A. & Ramesh, R. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Their Role in Radiation Response. 4(9-10), 401-408 (2013)

3.  Zhang, W. & Liu, H.T. MAPK signal pathways in the regulation of cell proliferation in mammalian cells. 12, 9-18 (2002)