A Rationale for Targeting Extracellular Regulated Kinases ERK1 and ERK2 in Glioblastoma

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2017 Oct 1;76(10):838-847. doi: 10.1093/jnen/nlx076.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. It still carries a grim prognosis and new therapies are needed. This review summarizes the current status of mechanistic insights into the function of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and its potential as a therapeutic target for patients with GBM. Currently, some promising ERK inhibitors are in clinical trials in tumor entities other than GBM. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the functions of ERK1/2 in GBM and a rationale for treatment of GBM with ERK inhibitors.

Keywords: ERK inhibitors; Extracellular regulated kinase; Glioblastoma.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • MAPK1 protein, human
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3