Cell Signaling Technology

Product Pathways - MAPK Signaling

p44/42 MAP Kinase Control Proteins #9103

Molecular Weight

42

Description

Nonphosphorylated p44/42 MAP Kinase Control Protein: Bacterially expressed, kinase inactive, Erk2 protein serves as a negative control for Western blotting experiments. Molecular weight of MAP kinase (Erk2) protein is 42 kDa. Supplied in SDS Sample buffer.Phosphorylated MAP Kinase Control Protein: Fully phosphorylated Erk2 protein serves as a positive control for western blotting experiments. MAP kinase is phosphorylated by MEK and purified free of nonphosphorylated MAP kinase. Molecular weight of MAP kinase (Erk2) protein is 42 kDa. Supplied in SDS Sample Buffer.

Directions for Use

As controls, we recommend using 10 µl of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated p44/42 MAP kinase control proteins. Boil control proteins for 2 minutes prior to use.

Background

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a widely conserved family of serine/threonine protein kinases involved in many cellular programs such as cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and death. 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 (1-3) and is an important target in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (4). Upon stimulation, a sequential three-part protein kinase cascade is initiated, consisting of a MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), a MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), and a MAP kinase. While multiple ERK1/2 MAP3Ks have been identified, including the Raf family, Mos, and Tpl2/Cot, MEK1 and MEK2 are the primary MAPKKs in this pathway (5,6). MEK1 and MEK2 activate ERK1/p44 and ERK2/p42 through phosphorylation of activation loop residues Thr202/Tyr204 and Thr185/Tyr187, respectively. Several downstream targets of ERK1/2 have been identified, including p90RSK (7) and the transcription factor Elk-1 (8,9). ERK1/2 are negatively regulated by a family of dual-specificity (Thr/Tyr) MAPK phosphatases, known as DUSPs or MKPs (10), along with MEK inhibitors such as U0126 and PD98059.

  1. Roux, P.P. and Blenis, J. (2004) Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 68, 320-44.
  2. Baccarini, M. (2005) FEBS Lett 579, 3271-7.
  3. Meloche, S. and Pouyssegur, J. (2007) Oncogene 26, 3227-39.
  4. Roberts, P.J. and Der, C.J. (2007) Oncogene 26, 3291-310.
  5. Rubinfeld, H. and Seger, R. (2005) Mol Biotechnol 31, 151-74.
  6. Murphy, L.O. and Blenis, J. (2006) Trends Biochem Sci 31, 268-75.
  7. Dalby, K.N. et al. (1998) J Biol Chem 273, 1496-505.
  8. Marais, R. et al. (1993) Cell 73, 381-93.
  9. Kortenjann, M. et al. (1994) Mol Cell Biol 14, 4815-24.
  10. Owens, D.M. and Keyse, S.M. (2007) Oncogene 26, 3203-13.

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