title: Signaling through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 cascade in cardiac myocytes.
abstract: The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are particularly implicated in the growth response of cardiac myocytes. In these cells, the ERK1/2 pathway is potently activated by Gq protein-coupled receptor agonists (such as endothelin-1 or alpha-adrenergic agonists), which activate protein kinase C isoforms. Here, we review the mechanisms associated with the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway by these agonists with particular emphasis on signal integration into the pathway. Signaling to the nucleus and the regulation of transcription factor activity associated with ERK1/2 activation in cardiac myocytes are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: NHLI Division (Cardiac Medicine Section), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Flowers Building, 4th Floor, Armstrong Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK. a.clerk@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Clerk
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Sugden
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000201:enzymology*; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000378:metabolism; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D011493:Protein Kinase C; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3