The Role of ERK1/2 Pathway in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview and Update on New Developments

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Jan;43(1):177-191. doi: 10.1007/s10571-022-01191-x. Epub 2022 Jan 17.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Several findings suggest that correcting the dysregulated signaling pathways may offer a potential therapeutic approach in this disease. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, plays a major role in regulation of cell proliferation, autophagy process, and protein synthesis. The available literature suggests dysregulated ERK1/2 in AD patients with potential implications in the multifaceted underlying pathologies of AD, including amyloid-β plaque formation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. In this regard, in the current review, we aim to summarize the reports on the potential roles of ERK1/2 in AD pathophysiology.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Amyloid-β; ERK1/2; Neuroinflammation; Tau phosphorylation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • tau Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • tau Proteins
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides