The extracellular signal-regulated kinases, or ERK1/2 (MAPK1/MAPK3, p44/42MAPK), are signaling molecules belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase family (MAPKs) that are commonly located in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. In concert with various other molecules in the signaling cascade acting under different surface or intracellular receptors, ERK1/2 act as catalysts in the phosphorylation of serine/threonine and are negatively regulated by the bispecific (Thr/Tyr) MAPK phosphatase family (called DUSP or MKP) and specific inhibitors to MEK activity (such as U0126 and PD98059).
When cells are stimulated by mitogens, growth factors, or cytokines, which bind to specific surface receptors to start the MAPKKK→MAPKK→MAPK cascade. MEK1 (MAP2K1) and MEK2 (MAP2K2) will then phosphoprylate the activation cylce residues Thr202/Tyr204 and Thr185/Tyr187 repsectively, which in turn activates ERK1/2. Phosphorylated ERK1/2 transduce signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus – acting on transcription factors such as p90RSK (RPS6KA1), Elk-1, c-myc, c-fos, c-jun, ATF, and NF-kB – to facilitate the transcription and expression of certain genes that are closely related to cell proliferation and division. Hence, ERK1/2 are important markers in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
ABclonal's antibody duo packs contain a pan-specific antibody to allow for quantification of protein load, plus a phosphosite-specific antibody to determine the activation status of the cell.
ABclonal's KO-validated antibodies are stringently quality controls to ensure that what you are detecting is the desired target!