ERK and cell death: ERK1/2 in neuronal death.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a versatile protein kinase that regulates many cellular functions. Growing evidence suggests that ERK1/2 plays a crucial role in promoting cell death in a variety of neuronal systems, including neurodegenerative diseases. It is believed that the magnitude and the duration of ERK1/2 activity determine its cellular function. In this review, we summarize recent evidence for a role of ERK1/2 in neuronal death. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms involved in ERK1/2 mediating neuronal death.
Subramaniam
Srinivasa
S
Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. ssubram9@jhmi.edu
Unsicker
Klaus
K
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology*; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / Q000502:physiology; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*
D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3