Functions of the MAPK family in vertebrate-development.
The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, consisting of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase, c-Jun amino terminal MAPK and p38 subfamilies, is conserved in evolution throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. These proteins have been implicated in diverse cellular processes including cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival and development. Gene-targeting approaches in mice, chickens, frogs and zebrafish revealed crucial roles of MAPK in vertebrate development. Gene-disruption or -silencing often lead to lethal effects, therefore the zebrafish ex utero development provides an excellent in vivo model to study the function of MAPK in early embryogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the MAPK family function in vertebrate-development and place this into the perspective of possibilities for future research.
Krens
S F Gabby
SF
Institute of Biology, Clusius Laboratory, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 64, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands. krens@rulbim.leidenuniv.nl
Spaink
Herman P
HP
Snaar-Jagalska
B Ewa
BE
D000818:Animals; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010802:Phylogeny; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000254:growth & development*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases