Abstract
The pathway from Ras through Raf and MEK (MAPK and ERK kinase) to ERK/MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) regulates many fundamental cellular processes. Recently, a number of scaffolding proteins and endogenous inhibitors have been identified, and their important roles in regulating signalling through this pathway are now emerging. Some scaffolds augment the signal flux, but also mediate crosstalk with other pathways; certain adaptors target MEK-ERK/MAPK complexes to subcellular localizations; others provide regulated inhibition. Computational modelling indicates that, together, these modulators can determine the dynamic biological behaviour of the pathway.
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
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Animals
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Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / genetics
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism*
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MAP Kinase Signaling System*
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Mice
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / genetics
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism*
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Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf / metabolism
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ras Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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CNK protein, Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins
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Protein Kinases
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KSR-1 protein kinase
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
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ras Proteins