View source for Mitogen-activated protein kinase

{{Short description|P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases}}
{{see also|extracellular signal-regulated kinases}}
{{infobox enzyme
| Name       = Mitogen-activated protein kinase
| EC_number  = 2.7.11.24
| CAS_number = 142243-02-5
| GO_code    = 0004707
| image      =
| width      =
| caption    = 
}}
A '''mitogen-activated protein kinase''' ('''MAPK''' or '''MAP kinase''') is a type of  [[serine/threonine-specific protein kinase]]s involved in directing cellular responses to a diverse array of stimuli, such as [[mitogen]]s, [[osmotic stress]], [[heat shock]] and [[proinflammatory cytokine]]s. They regulate cell functions including [[Cell proliferation|proliferation]], [[gene expression]], [[Cellular differentiation|differentiation]], [[mitosis]], cell survival, and [[apoptosis]].<ref name="pmid11294822">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pearson G, Robinson F, Beers Gibson T, Xu BE, Karandikar M, Berman K, Cobb MH | title = Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways: regulation and physiological functions | journal = Endocrine Reviews | volume = 22 | issue = 2 | pages = 153–83 | date = Apr 2001 | doi = 10.1210/edrv.22.2.0428 | pmid = 11294822 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

MAP kinases are found in [[eukaryote]]s only, but they are fairly diverse and encountered in all animals, fungi and plants, and even in an array of unicellular eukaryotes.{{Citation needed|reason=I could not find a reference stating that MAPK is encountered in all animals, fungi and plants.|date=December 2016}}

MAPKs belong to the CMGC (CDK/MAPK/GSK3/CLK) kinase group. The closest relatives of MAPKs are the [[cyclin-dependent kinase]]s (CDKs).<ref name="pmid12471243">{{cite journal | vauthors = Manning G, Whyte DB, Martinez R, Hunter T, Sudarsanam S | title = The protein kinase complement of the human genome | journal = Science | volume = 298 | issue = 5600 | pages = 1912–34 | date = Dec 2002 | pmid = 12471243 | doi = 10.1126/science.1075762 | bibcode = 2002Sci...298.1912M | s2cid = 26554314 }}</ref>

== Discovery ==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2024}}
The first mitogen-activated protein kinase to be discovered was ERK1 ([[MAPK3]]) in mammals. Since ERK1 and its close relative ERK2 ([[MAPK1]]) are both involved in growth factor signaling, the family was termed "mitogen-activated". With the discovery of other members, even from distant organisms (e.g. plants), it has become increasingly clear that the name is a misnomer, since most MAPKs are actually involved in the response to potentially harmful, abiotic stress stimuli (hyperosmosis, oxidative stress, DNA damage, low osmolarity, infection, etc.). Because plants cannot "flee" from stress, terrestrial plants have the highest number of MAPK genes per organism ever found{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}}. Thus the role of mammalian ERK1/2 kinases as regulators of cell proliferation is not a generic, but a highly specialized function.

== Types ==

Most MAPKs have a number of shared characteristics, such as the activation dependent on two [[phosphorylation]] events, a three-tiered pathway architecture and similar substrate recognition sites. These are the "classical" MAP kinases.  But there are also some ancient outliers from the group as sketched above, that do not have dual phosphorylation sites, only form two-tiered pathways, and lack the features required by other MAPKs for substrate binding. These are usually referred to as "atypical" MAPKs.<ref name="pmid17161475">{{cite journal | vauthors = Coulombe P, Meloche S | title = Atypical mitogen-activated protein kinases: structure, regulation and functions | journal = Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research | volume = 1773 | issue = 8 | pages = 1376–87 | date = Aug 2007 | pmid = 17161475 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2006.11.001 | doi-access = free }}</ref> It is yet unclear if the atypical MAPKs form a single group as opposed to the classical ones.{{clarify|date=April 2019}}

The mammalian MAPK family of kinases includes three subfamilies:
# [[Extracellular signal-regulated kinases]] (ERKs)
# [[c-Jun N-terminal kinases]] (JNKs)
# [[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases]] (p38s)<ref name="pmid32709018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Yu J, Sun X, Goie J, Zhang Y| title = Regulation of Host Immune Responses against Influenza A Virus Infection by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) | journal = [[Microorganisms]] | volume = 8 | issue = 7 | page = 1067 | date=2020 | doi = 10.3390/microorganisms8071067 | pmc=7409222 | pmid = 32709018| doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid30140268">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shi J, Sun S| title = Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor Regulation of Nuclear Factor κB and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways | journal = [[Frontiers in Immunology]] | volume = 9 | article-number = 1849 | date=2018 | doi = 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01849 | pmc=6094638 | pmid = 30140268| doi-access = free }}</ref>

Generally, ERKs are activated by [[growth factor]]s and [[mitogen]]s, whereas [[Cellular stress response|cellular stresses]] and [[inflammatory cytokine]]s activate JNKs and p38s.<ref name="pmid32709018" />

== Activation ==
{{expand section|date=February 2019}}
[[File:ERK2-phosphorylated.png|thumb|X-ray structure of the ERK2 MAP kinase in its active form. Phosphorylated residues are displayed in red. Rendering based on pdb entry 2ERK.]]
Mitogen-activated protein kinases are catalytically inactive in their base form. In order to become active, they require (potentially multiple) phosphorylation events in their activation loops. This is conducted by specialized enzymes of the STE protein kinase group. In this way [[protein dynamics]] can induce a [[conformational change]] in the structure of the protein via long-range [[allostery]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}

In the case of classical MAP kinases, the [[activation loop]] contains a characteristic TxY (threonine-x-tyrosine) motif (TEY in mammalian [[MAPK3|ERK1]] and [[MAPK1|ERK2]], TDY in [[ERK5]], TPY in [[c-Jun N-terminal kinases|JNK]]s, TGY in [[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases|p38 kinases]]) that needs to be phosphorylated on both the [[threonine]] and the [[tyrosine]] residues in order to lock the kinase domain in a catalytically competent conformation. [[In vivo]] and [[in vitro]], phosphorylation of tyrosine oftentimes precedes phosphorylation of threonine, although phosphorylation of either residue can occur in the absence of the other.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

This tandem [[activation loop]] phosphorylation (that was proposed to be either distributive or processive, dependent on the cellular environment) is performed by members of the Ste7 protein kinase family, also known as [[Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase|MAP2 kinases]]. MAP2 kinases in turn, are also activated by phosphorylation, by a number of different upstream serine-threonine kinases ([[Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase|MAP3 kinases]]). Because MAP2 kinases display very little activity on substrates other than their cognate MAPK, classical MAPK pathways form multi-tiered, but relatively linear pathways. These pathways can effectively convey stimuli from the cell membrane (where many MAP3Ks are activated) to the nucleus (where only MAPKs may enter) or to many other subcellular targets.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

In comparison to the three-tiered classical MAPK pathways, some atypical MAP kinases appear to have a more ancient, two-tiered system. [[MAPK6|ERK3]] (MAPK6) and [[ERK4]] (MAPK4) were recently shown to be directly phosphorylated and thus activated by [[P21 activated kinase|PAK kinases]] (related to other MAP3 kinases).<ref name="pmid21177870">{{cite journal | vauthors = Déléris P, Trost M, Topisirovic I, Tanguay PL, Borden KL, Thibault P, Meloche S | title = Activation loop phosphorylation of ERK3/ERK4 by group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs) defines a novel PAK-ERK3/4-MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 signaling pathway | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 286 | issue = 8 | pages = 6470–8 | date = Feb 2011 | pmid = 21177870 | pmc = 3057823 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M110.181529 | doi-access = free }}</ref> In contrast to the classical MAP kinases, these atypical MAPKs require only a single residue in their activation loops to be phosphorylated. The details of [[NLK]] and [[MAPK15|ERK7]] (MAPK15) activation remain unknown.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

Inactivation of MAPKs is performed by a number of [[phosphatase]]s. A very conserved family of dedicated phosphatases is the so-called [[MAP kinase phosphatase]]s (MKPs), a subgroup of [[dual-specificity phosphatase]]s (DUSPs).<ref name="pmid12184814">{{cite journal | vauthors = Theodosiou A, Ashworth A | title = MAP kinase phosphatases | journal = Genome Biology | volume = 3 | issue = 7 | pages = reviews3009.1–reviews3009.10 | date = Jun 2002 | pmid = 12184814 | pmc = 139386 | doi = 10.1186/gb-2002-3-7-reviews3009 | doi-access = free }}</ref> As their name implies, these enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing the phosphate from both phosphotyrosine and the phosphothreonine residues. Since removal of either phosphate groups will greatly reduce MAPK activity, essentially abolishing signaling, some [[tyrosine phosphatase]]s are also involved in inactivating MAP kinases (e.g. the phosphatases [[PTPN7|HePTP]], [[PTPN5|STEP]] and [[PTPRR]] in mammals).{{cn|date=November 2024}}

== Signaling cascades ==

[[File:Raf-activation-cycle-sketch.png|thumb|Example for the inner workings of a MAP3 kinase: the activation cycle of mammalian Raf proteins (greatly simplified overview)<ref name="pmid21779496">{{cite journal  |vauthors=Matallanas D, Birtwistle M, Romano D, etal |title=Raf family kinases: old dogs have learned new tricks |journal=Genes Cancer |volume=2 |issue=3 |pages=232–60 |date=March 2011 |pmid=21779496 |pmc=3128629 |doi=10.1177/1947601911407323 }}</ref><ref name="pmid20883493">{{cite journal |vauthors=Alexa A, Varga J, Reményi A |title=Scaffolds are 'active' regulators of signaling modules |journal=FEBS J. |volume=277 |issue=21 |pages=4376–82 |date=November 2010 |pmid=20883493 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07867.x |s2cid=43848866 |doi-access=free }}</ref>]]

As mentioned above, MAPKs typically form multi-tiered pathways, receiving input several levels above the actual MAP kinase. In contrast to the relatively simple, phosphorylation-dependent activation mechanism of MAPKs and [[Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase|MAP2K]]s, MAP3Ks have stunningly complex regulation. Many of the better-known [[Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase|MAP3Ks]], such as [[c-Raf]], [[MEKK4]] or [[MAP3K11|MLK3]] require multiple steps for their activation. These are typically allosterically-controlled enzymes, tightly locked into an inactive state by multiple mechanisms. The first step en route to their activation consists of relieving their autoinhibition by a smaller ligand (such as [[Ras subfamily|Ras]] for [[c-Raf]], [[GADD45]] for [[MAP3K4|MEKK4]]<ref name="pmid17242196">{{cite journal | vauthors = Miyake Z, Takekawa M, Ge Q, Saito H | title = Activation of MTK1/MEKK4 by GADD45 through induced N-C dissociation and dimerization-mediated trans autophosphorylation of the MTK1 kinase domain | journal = Molecular and Cellular Biology | volume = 27 | issue = 7 | pages = 2765–76 | date = Apr 2007 | pmid = 17242196 | pmc = 1899887 | doi = 10.1128/MCB.01435-06 }}</ref> or [[CDC42|Cdc42]] for MLK3<ref name="pmid16253996">{{cite journal | vauthors = Du Y, Böck BC, Schachter KA, Chao M, Gallo KA | title = Cdc42 induces activation loop phosphorylation and membrane targeting of mixed lineage kinase 3 | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 280 | issue = 52 | pages = 42984–93 | date = Dec 2005 | pmid = 16253996 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M502671200 | doi-access = free }}</ref>). This commonly (but not always) happens at the cell membrane, where most of their activators are bound (note that [[Small GTPase|small G-proteins]] are constitutively membrane-associated due to [[prenylation]]). That step is followed by side-to-side homo- and heterodimerisation of their now accessible kinase domains. Recently determined complex structures reveal that the dimers are formed in an orientation that leaves both their substrate-binding regions free.<ref name="pmid19727074">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rajakulendran T, Sahmi M, Lefrançois M, Sicheri F, Therrien M | title = A dimerization-dependent mechanism drives RAF catalytic activation | journal = Nature | volume = 461 | issue = 7263 | pages = 542–5 | date = Sep 2009 | pmid = 19727074 | doi = 10.1038/nature08314 | bibcode = 2009Natur.461..542R | s2cid = 427603 }}</ref> Importantly, this dimerisation event also forces the MAP3 kinase domains to adopt a partially active conformation. Full activity is only achieved once these dimers transphosphorylate each other on their activation loops. The latter step can also be achieved or aided by auxiliary protein kinases (MAP4 kinases, members of the Ste20 family). Once a MAP3 kinase is fully active, it may phosphorylate its substrate MAP2 kinases, which in turn will phosphorylate their MAP kinase substrates.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

=== In animals ===

[[File:MAPK-pathway-mammalian.png|thumb|A simplified overview of MAPK pathways in mammals, organised into three main signaling modules (ERK1/2, JNK/p38 and ERK5)]]

The [[Extracellular signal-regulated kinases|ERK1/2]] pathway of mammals is probably the best-characterized MAPK system. The most important upstream activators of this pathway are the Raf proteins ([[ARAF|A-Raf]], [[BRAF (gene)|B-Raf]] or [[c-Raf]]), the key mediators of response to growth factors ([[epidermal growth factor|EGF]], [[fibroblast growth factor|FGF]], [[PDGF]], etc.); but other MAP3Ks such as c-Mos and [[MAP3K8|Tpl2/Cot]] can also play the same role. All these enzymes phosphorylate and thus activate the [[MAP2K1|MKK1]] and/or [[MAP2K2|MKK2]] kinases, that are highly specific activators for [[MAPK3|ERK1]] and [[MAPK1|ERK2]]. The latter phosphorylate a number of substrates important for [[Cell growth|cell proliferation]], [[Cell cycle|cell cycle progression]], [[Mitosis|cell division]] and [[Cellular differentiation|differentiation]] ([[ribosomal s6 kinase|RSK kinases]], Elk-1 [[transcription factor]], etc.){{cn|date=November 2024}}

In contrast to the relatively well-insulated [[MAPK/ERK pathway|ERK1/2 pathway]], mammalian [[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases|p38]] and [[c-Jun N-terminal kinases|JNK kinases]] have most of their activators shared at the MAP3K level ([[MAP3K1|MEKK1]], [[MAP3K4|MEKK4]], [[MAP3K5|ASK1]], [[MAP3K7|TAK1]], [[MAP3K11|MLK3]], [[TAOK1]], etc.). In addition, some MAP2K enzymes may activate both p38 and JNK ([[MAP2K4|MKK4]]), while others are more specific for either JNK ([[MAP2K7|MKK7]]) or p38 ([[MAP2K3|MKK3]] and [[MAP2K6|MKK6]]). Due to these interlocks, there are very few if any stimuli that can elicit JNK activation without simultaneously activating p38 or reversed.<ref name="pmid21372320">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cargnello M, Roux PP | title = Activation and function of the MAPKs and their substrates, the MAPK-activated protein kinases | journal = Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews | volume = 75 | issue = 1 | pages = 50–83 | date = Mar 2011 | pmid = 21372320 | pmc = 3063353 | doi = 10.1128/MMBR.00031-10 }}</ref> Both JNK and p38 signaling pathways are responsive to stress stimuli, such as [[cytokine]]s, [[Ultraviolet|ultraviolet irradiation]], [[heat shock]], and [[osmotic shock]], and are involved in [[Cellular adaptation|adaptation to stress]], [[apoptosis]] or [[Cellular differentiation|cell differentiation]]. JNKs have a number of dedicated substrates that only they can phosphorylate ([[c-Jun]], [[NFATC3|NFAT4]], etc.), while p38s also have some unique targets (e.g. the MAPKAP kinases [[MAPKAPK2|MK2]] and [[MAPKAPK3|MK3]]), ensuring the need for both in order to respond to stressful stimuli.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

[[MAPK7|ERK5]] is part of a fairly well-separated pathway in mammals. Its sole specific upstream activator [[MKK5]] is turned on in response to the MAP3 kinases [[MAP3K2|MEKK2]] and [[MAP3K3|MEKK3]]. The specificity of these interactions are provided by the unique architecture of MKK5 and MEKK2/3, both containing N-terminal PB1 domains, enabling direct heterodimerisation with each other.<ref name="pmid12912994">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nakamura K, Johnson GL | title = PB1 domains of MEKK2 and MEKK3 interact with the MEK5 PB1 domain for activation of the ERK5 pathway | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 39 | pages = 36989–92 | date = Sep 2003 | pmid = 12912994 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.C300313200 | doi-access = free | url = https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/9019sb22q }}</ref> The PB1 domain of MKK5 also contributes to the ERK5-MKK5 interaction: it provides a special interface (in addition to the [[Mitogen-activated protein kinase#Substrate and partner recognition|D-motif]] found in MKK5) through which MKK5 can specifically recognize its substrate ERK5.<ref name="pmid23382384">{{cite journal | vauthors = Glatz G, Gógl G, Alexa A, Reményi A | title = Structural mechanism for the specific assembly and activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) module | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 288 | issue = 12 | pages = 8596–609 | date = Mar 2013 | pmid = 23382384 | pmc = 3605678 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M113.452235 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Although the molecular-level details are poorly known, MEKK2 and MEKK3 respond to certain developmental cues to direct [[Endothelium|endothel]] formation and [[Heart development|cardiac morphogenesis]]. While also implicated in brain development, the embryonic lethality of ERK5 inactivation due to [[Congenital heart defect|cardiac abnormalities]] underlines its central role in mammalian [[vasculogenesis]].<ref name="pmid12093914">{{cite journal | vauthors = Regan CP, Li W, Boucher DM, Spatz S, Su MS, Kuida K | title = Erk5 null mice display multiple extraembryonic vascular and embryonic cardiovascular defects | journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | volume = 99 | issue = 14 | pages = 9248–53 | date = Jul 2002 | pmid = 12093914 | pmc = 123126 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.142293999 | bibcode = 2002PNAS...99.9248R | doi-access = free }}</ref> It is notable, that [[Conditional gene knockout|conditional knockout]] of ERK5 in adult animals is also lethal, due to the widespread disruption of [[Endothelium#Function|endothelial barriers]].<ref name="pmid15517128">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hayashi M, Lee JD | title = Role of the BMK1/ERK5 signaling pathway: lessons from knockout mice | journal = Journal of Molecular Medicine | volume = 82 | issue = 12 | pages = 800–8 | date = Dec 2004 | pmid = 15517128 | doi = 10.1007/s00109-004-0602-8 | s2cid = 8499230 }}</ref> Mutations in the upstream components of the ERK5 pathway (the CCM complex) are thought to underlie [[Cavernous hemangioma|cerebral cavernous malformations]] in humans.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

=== In fungi ===

[[File:MAPK-pathway-yeast.png|thumb|Overview of MAPK pathways in yeast. Non-canonical components of the five known modules (mating, filamentation, hyperosmosis, cell wall integrity, sporulation pathways) are colored in blue.]]

MAPK pathways of fungi are also well studied. In yeast, the Fus3 MAPK is responsible for cell cycle arrest and [[Mating of yeast|mating]] in response to pheromone stimulation. The pheromone alpha-factor is sensed by a [[G protein-coupled receptor|seven transmembrane receptor]]. The recruitment and activation of Fus3 pathway components are strictly dependent on [[heterotrimeric G-protein]] activation. The mating MAPK pathway consist of three tiers (Ste11-Ste7-Fus3), but the MAP2 and MAP3 kinases are shared with another pathway, the Kss1 or filamentous growth pathway. While Fus3 and Kss1 are closely related ERK-type kinases, yeast cells can still activate them separately, with the help of a scaffold protein Ste5 that is selectively recruited by the G-proteins of the mating pathway. The trick is that Ste5 can associate with and "unlock" Fus3 for Ste7 as a substrate in a tertiary complex, while it does not do the same for Kss1, leaving the filamentous growth pathway to be activated only in the absence of Ste5 recruitment.<ref name="pmid19303851">{{cite journal | vauthors = Good M, Tang G, Singleton J, Reményi A, Lim WA | title = The Ste5 scaffold directs mating signaling by catalytically unlocking the Fus3 MAP kinase for activation | journal = Cell | volume = 136 | issue = 6 | pages = 1085–97 | date = Mar 2009 | pmid = 19303851 | pmc = 2777755 | doi = 10.1016/j.cell.2009.01.049 }}</ref>

Fungi also have a pathway reminiscent of mammalian JNK/p38 signaling. This is the Hog1 pathway: activated by high osmolarity (in ''[[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]]'') or a number of other abiotic stresses (in ''[[Schizosaccharomyces pombe]]''). The MAP2 kinase of this pathway is called Pbs2 (related to mammalian MKK3/4/6/7), the dedicated  MAP3 kinases involved in activation are Ssk2 and SSk22. The system in ''S. cerevisiae'' is activated by a sophisticated osmosensing module consisting of the Sho1 and Sln1 proteins, but it is yet unclear how other stimuli can elicit activation of Hog1. Yeast also displays a number of other MAPK pathways without close homologs in animals, such as the cell wall integrity pathway (Mpk1/Slt2) or the [[sporulation]] pathway (Smk1).<ref name="pmid9841672">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gustin MC, Albertyn J, Alexander M, Davenport K | title = MAP kinase pathways in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae | journal = Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews | volume = 62 | issue = 4 | pages = 1264–300 | date = Dec 1998 | pmid = 9841672 | pmc = 98946 | doi =  10.1128/MMBR.62.4.1264-1300.1998}}</ref>

=== In plants ===

Despite the high number of MAPK genes, MAPK pathways of higher plants were studied less than animal or fungal ones. Although their signaling appears very complex, the MPK3, MPK4 and MPK6 kinases of ''[[Arabidopsis thaliana]]'' are key mediators of responses to [[osmotic shock]], [[oxidative stress]], response to cold and involved in anti-pathogen responses.<ref name="pmid21512321">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sinha AK, Jaggi M, Raghuram B, Tuteja N | title = Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in plants under abiotic stress | journal = Plant Signaling & Behavior | volume = 6 | issue = 2 | pages = 196–203 | date = Feb 2011 | pmid = 21512321 | pmc = 3121978 | doi = 10.4161/psb.6.2.14701 | bibcode = 2011PlSiB...6..196S }}</ref><ref name="pmid20441529">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rodriguez MC, Petersen M, Mundy J | title = Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in plants | journal = Annual Review of Plant Biology | volume = 61 | pages = 621–49 | year = 2010 | issue = 1 | pmid = 20441529 | doi = 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042809-112252 | bibcode = 2010AnRPB..61..621C }}</ref><ref name="Gohre-Robatzek-2008">{{cite journal | vauthors = Göhre V, Robatzek S | title=Breaking the Barriers: Microbial Effector Molecules Subvert Plant Immunity | journal=[[Annual Review of Phytopathology]] | publisher=[[Annual Reviews (publisher)|Annual Reviews]] | volume=46 | issue=1 | date=2008-09-01 | issn=0066-4286 | doi=10.1146/annurev.phyto.46.120407.110050 | pages=189–215| pmid=18422429 | bibcode=2008AnRvP..46..189G | hdl=11858/00-001M-0000-0012-36D1-A | hdl-access=free }}</ref> Asai ''et al.'' 2002's model of MAPK mediated immunity passes the [[effector (biology)|effector]] recognition signal from [[FLS2]] ⇨ [[MEKK1]] ⇨ [[MKK4]] or [[MKK5]] ⇨ MPK3 and MPK6 ⇨ WRKY22 or WRKY29.<ref name="Gohre-Robatzek-2008" /> However the work of Mészáros ''et al.'' 2006 and Suarez-Rodriguez ''et al.'' 2007 give other orders for this pathway and it is possible that these are parallel pathways operating simultaneously.<ref name="Gohre-Robatzek-2008" /> They are also involved in [[morphogenesis]], since MPK4 mutants display severe [[dwarfism]].<ref name="pmid21098735">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kosetsu K, Matsunaga S, Nakagami H, Colcombet J, Sasabe M, Soyano T, Takahashi Y, Hirt H, Machida Y | title = The MAP kinase MPK4 is required for cytokinesis in Arabidopsis thaliana | journal = The Plant Cell | volume = 22 | issue = 11 | pages = 3778–90 | date = Nov 2010 | pmid = 21098735 | pmc = 3015120 | doi = 10.1105/tpc.110.077164 | bibcode = 2010PlanC..22.3778K }}</ref>

== Evolutionary relationships ==

[[File:MAPK-evolutionary-tree.png|thumb|The evolutionary origins of human mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)<ref name="pmid23382384"/><ref name="pmid22046431">{{cite journal |vauthors=Li M, Liu J, Zhang C |title=Evolutionary history of the vertebrate mitogen activated protein kinases family |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=6 |issue=10 |article-number=e26999 |year=2011 |pmid=22046431 |pmc=3202601 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0026999 |bibcode=2011PLoSO...626999L |doi-access=free }}</ref>]]

Members of the MAPK family can be found in every eukaryotic organism examined so far. In particular, both classical and atypical MAP kinases can be traced back to the root of the radiation of major eukaryotic groups. Terrestrial plants contain four groups of classical MAPKs (MAPK-A, MAPK-B, MAPK-C and MAPK-D) that are involved in response to myriads of abiotic stresses.<ref name="pmid12119167">{{cite journal | author = MAPK Group | title = Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades in plants: a new nomenclature | journal = Trends in Plant Science | volume = 7 | issue = 7 | pages = 301–8 | date = Jul 2002 | pmid = 12119167 | doi = 10.1016/S1360-1385(02)02302-6 | bibcode = 2002TPS.....7..301M }}</ref> However, none of these groups can be directly equated to the clusters of classical MAPKs found in [[opisthokont]]s (fungi and animals). In the latter, the major subgroups of classical MAPKs form the ERK/Fus3-like branch (that is further sub-divided in [[metazoan]]s into ERK1/2 and ERK5 subgroups), and the p38/Hog1-like kinases (that has also split into the p38 and the JNK subgroups in multicellular animals).<ref name="pmid10552038">{{cite journal | vauthors = Caffrey DR, O'Neill LA, Shields DC | title = The evolution of the MAP kinase pathways: coduplication of interacting proteins leads to new signaling cascades | journal = Journal of Molecular Evolution | volume = 49 | issue = 5 | pages = 567–82 | date = Nov 1999 | pmid = 10552038 | doi = 10.1007/PL00006578 | bibcode = 1999JMolE..49..567C | s2cid = 2992439 }}</ref> In addition, there are several MAPKs in both fungi and animals, whose origins are less clear, either due to high divergence (e.g. NLK), or due to possibly being an early offshoot to the entire MAPK family (ERK3, ERK4, ERK7). In vertebrates, due to the twin whole genome duplications after the cephalochordate/vertebrate split,<ref name="pmid18563158">{{cite journal | vauthors = Putnam NH, Butts T, Ferrier DE, Furlong RF, Hellsten U, Kawashima T, Robinson-Rechavi M, Shoguchi E, Terry A, Yu JK, Benito-Gutiérrez EL, Dubchak I, Garcia-Fernàndez J, Gibson-Brown JJ, Grigoriev IV, Horton AC, de Jong PJ, Jurka J, Kapitonov VV, Kohara Y, Kuroki Y, Lindquist E, Lucas S, Osoegawa K, Pennacchio LA, Salamov AA, Satou Y, Sauka-Spengler T, Schmutz J, Shin-I T, Toyoda A, Bronner-Fraser M, Fujiyama A, Holland LZ, Holland PW, Satoh N, Rokhsar DS | display-authors = 6 | title = The amphioxus genome and the evolution of the chordate karyotype | journal = Nature | volume = 453 | issue = 7198 | pages = 1064–71 | date = Jun 2008 | pmid = 18563158 | doi = 10.1038/nature06967 | bibcode = 2008Natur.453.1064P | doi-access = free | url = https://authors.library.caltech.edu/11220/1/PUTnat08.pdf }}</ref> there are several paralogs in every group. Thus ERK1 and ERK2 both correspond to the ''[[Drosophila]]'' kinase ''rolled'', JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3 are all orthologous to the gene ''basket'' in ''Drosophila''. Although among the p38 group, p38 alpha and beta are clearly paralogous pairs, and so are p38 gamma and delta in vertebrates, the timing of the base split is less clear, given that many metazoans already possess multiple p38 homologs (there are three p38-type kinases in ''Drosophila'', ''Mpk2''(''p38a''), ''p38b'' and ''p38c''). The single ERK5 protein appears to fill a very specialized role (essential for vascular development in vertebrates) wherever it is present. This lineage has been deleted in [[protostome]]s, together with its upstream pathway components (MEKK2/3, MKK5), although they are clearly present in [[cnidaria]]ns, [[sponge]]s and even in certain unicellular organisms (e.g. the [[choanoflagellate]] ''Monosiga brevicollis'') closely related to the origins of multicellular animals.<ref name="pmid18273011">{{cite journal | vauthors = King N, Westbrook MJ, Young SL, Kuo A, Abedin M, Chapman J, Fairclough S, Hellsten U, Isogai Y, Letunic I, Marr M, Pincus D, Putnam N, Rokas A, Wright KJ, Zuzow R, Dirks W, Good M, Goodstein D, Lemons D, Li W, Lyons JB, Morris A, Nichols S, Richter DJ, Salamov A, Sequencing JG, Bork P, Lim WA, Manning G, Miller WT, McGinnis W, Shapiro H, Tjian R, Grigoriev IV, Rokhsar D  | display-authors = 6 | title = The genome of the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis and the origin of metazoans | journal = Nature | volume = 451 | issue = 7180 | pages = 783–8 | date = Feb 2008 | pmid = 18273011 | pmc = 2562698 | doi = 10.1038/nature06617 | bibcode = 2008Natur.451..783K }}</ref>

The split between classical and some atypical MAP kinases happened quite early. This is suggested not just by the high divergence between extant genes, but also recent discoveries of atypical MAPKs in primitive, basal eukaryotes. The genome sequencing of ''[[Giardia lamblia]]'' revealed the presence of two MAPK genes, one of them similar to the already-well-known mammalian MAPKs (ERKs, p38s, etc.), the other one showing similarities to the mammalian ERK7 protein.<ref name="pmid12397063">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ellis JG, Davila M, Chakrabarti R | title = Potential involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 in encystation of a primitive eukaryote, Giardia lamblia. Stage-specific activation and intracellular localization | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 3 | pages = 1936–45 | date = Jan 2003 | pmid = 12397063 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M209274200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The situation is similar in the multicellular amoeba ''[[Dictyostelium discoideum]]'', where the ddERK1 protein appears to be a classical MAPK, while ddERK2 more closely resembles our ERK7 and ERK3/4 proteins.<ref name="pmid21666837">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hadwiger JA, Nguyen HN | title = MAPKs in development: insights from Dictyostelium signaling pathways | journal = Biomolecular Concepts | volume = 2 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 39–46 | date = Apr 2011 | pmid = 21666837 | pmc = 3110071 | doi = 10.1515/BMC.2011.004 }}</ref> Atypical MAPKs can also be found in higher plants, although they are poorly known. Similar to the situation in mammals, most aspects of atypical MAPKs are uncharacterized due to the lack of research focus on this area.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

== Substrate and partner recognition ==

[[File:D-motif-overview.png|thumb|The overview of the D-motif dependent MAPK interactions and substrate recognition.<ref name="pmid23047924">{{cite journal | vauthors = Garai Á, Zeke A, Gógl G, Törő I, Fördős F, Blankenburg H, Bárkai T, Varga J, Alexa A, Emig D, Albrecht M, Reményi A | title = Specificity of linear motifs that bind to a common mitogen-activated protein kinase docking groove | journal = Science Signaling | volume = 5 | issue = 245 | pages = ra74 | date = Oct 2012 | pmid = 23047924 | pmc = 3500698 | doi = 10.1126/scisignal.2003004 }}</ref> All cited examples refer to the interactions of the mammalian ERK2 protein.]]

As typical for the CMGC kinase group, the catalytic site of MAP kinases has a very loose consensus sequence for [[Enzyme substrate (biology)|substrates]]. Like all their relatives, they only require the target [[serine]] / [[threonine]] amino acids to be followed by a small amino acid, preferably [[proline]] ("proline-directed kinases"). But as SP/TP sites are extremely common in all proteins, additional substrate-recognition mechanisms have evolved to ensure signaling fidelity.<ref name="pmid23047924"/> Unlike their closest relatives, the [[cyclin-dependent kinases]] (CDKs), where substrates are recognized by the [[cyclin]] subunit, MAPKs associate with their substrates via auxiliary binding regions on their kinase domains. The most important such region consists of the hydrophobic docking groove and the negatively charged CD-region. Together they recognize the so-called MAPK docking or D-motifs (also called kinase interaction motif / KIM). D-motifs essentially consist of one or two positively charged amino acids, followed by alternating hydrophobic residues (mostly leucines), typically upstream of the phosphorylation site by 10–50 amino acids.<ref name="pmid16364919">{{cite journal | vauthors = Reményi A, Good MC, Bhattacharyya RP, Lim WA | title = The role of docking interactions in mediating signaling input, output, and discrimination in the yeast MAPK network | journal = Molecular Cell | volume = 20 | issue = 6 | pages = 951–62 | date = Dec 2005 | pmid = 16364919 | doi = 10.1016/j.molcel.2005.10.030 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Many of the known MAPK substrates contain such D-motifs that can not only bind to, but also provide specific recognition by certain MAPKs. D-motifs are not restricted to substrates: MAP2 kinases also contain such motifs on their [[N-terminus|N-termini]] that are absolutely required for MAP2K-MAPK interaction and MAPK activation.<ref name="pmid19196711">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bardwell AJ, Frankson E, Bardwell L | title = Selectivity of docking sites in MAPK kinases | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 284 | issue = 19 | pages = 13165–73 | date = May 2009 | pmid = 19196711 | pmc = 2676048 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M900080200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Similarly, both dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases and MAP-specific tyrosine phosphatases bind to MAP kinases through the same docking site.<ref name="pmid22375047">{{cite journal | vauthors = Goldsmith EJ | title = Three-dimensional docking in the MAPK p38α | journal = Science Signaling | volume = 4 | issue = 204 | pages = pe47 | date = Dec 2011 | pmid = 22375047 | doi = 10.1126/scisignal.2002697 | s2cid = 206671310 }}</ref><ref name="pmid15466470">{{cite journal | vauthors = Huang Z, Zhou B, Zhang ZY | title = Molecular determinants of substrate recognition in hematopoietic protein-tyrosine phosphatase | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 279 | issue = 50 | pages = 52150–9 | date = Dec 2004 | pmid = 15466470 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M407820200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> D-motifs can even be found in certain MAPK pathway regulators and scaffolds (e.g. in the mammalian JIP proteins).{{cn|date=November 2024}}

Other, less well characterised substrate-binding sites also exist. One such site (the DEF site) is formed by the activation loop (when in the active conformation) and the MAP kinase-specific insert below it. This site can accommodate peptides with an FxFP consensus sequence, typically downstream of the phosphorylation site.<ref name="pmid18482985">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sheridan DL, Kong Y, Parker SA, Dalby KN, Turk BE | title = Substrate discrimination among mitogen-activated protein kinases through distinct docking sequence motifs | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 283 | issue = 28 | pages = 19511–20 | date = Jul 2008 | pmid = 18482985 | pmc = 2443660 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M801074200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Note that the latter site can only be found in proteins that need to selectively recognize the active MAP kinases, thus they are almost exclusively found in substrates. Different motifs may cooperate with each other, as in the Elk family of transcription factors, that possess both a D-motif and an FxFP motif. The presence of an FxFP motif in the KSR1 scaffold protein also serves to make it an ERK1/2 substrate, providing a negative feedback mechanism to set the correct strength of ERK1/2 activation.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

== Scaffold proteins ==

Since the discovery of Ste5 in yeast, scientists were on the hunt to discover similar non-enzymatic scaffolding pathway elements in mammals. There are indeed a number of proteins involved in ERK signaling, that can bind to multiple elements of the pathway:  [[MAP2K1IP1|MP1]] binds both MKK1/2 and ERK1/2, [[KSR1]] and [[KSR2]] can bind B-Raf or c-Raf, MKK1/2 and ERK1/2. Analogous proteins were also discovered for the JNK pathway: the [[MAPK8IP1|JIP1]]/[[MAPK8IP2|JIP2]]  and the [[MAPK8IP3|JIP3]]/JIP4 families of proteins were all shown to bind MLKs, MKK7 and any JNK kinase. Unfortunately, unlike the yeast Ste5, the mechanisms by which they regulate MAPK activation are considerably less understood. While Ste5 actually forms a ternary complex with Ste7 and Fus3 to promote phosphorylation of the latter, known mammalian scaffold proteins appear to work by very different mechanisms. For example, KSR1 and KSR2 are actually MAP3 kinases and related to the Raf proteins.<ref name="pmid22292131">{{cite journal | vauthors = McKay MM, Freeman AK, Morrison DK | title = Complexity in KSR function revealed by Raf inhibitor and KSR structure studies | journal = Small GTPases | volume = 2 | issue = 5 | pages = 276–281 | date = Sep 2011 | pmid = 22292131 | pmc = 3265819 | doi = 10.4161/sgtp.2.5.17740 }}</ref> Although KSRs alone display negligible MAP3 kinase activity, KSR proteins can still participate in the activation of Raf kinases by forming side-to-side heterodimers with them, providing an allosteric pair to turn on each enzymes.<ref name="pmid21441910">{{cite journal | vauthors = Brennan DF, Dar AC, Hertz NT, Chao WC, Burlingame AL, Shokat KM, Barford D | title = A Raf-induced allosteric transition of KSR stimulates phosphorylation of MEK | journal = Nature | volume = 472 | issue = 7343 | pages = 366–9 | date = Apr 2011 | pmid = 21441910 | doi = 10.1038/nature09860 | bibcode = 2011Natur.472..366B | s2cid = 18818 }}</ref>  JIPs  on the other hand, are apparently transport proteins, responsible for enrichment of MAPK signaling components in certain compartments of polarized cells.<ref name="pmid18081006">{{cite journal | vauthors = Koushika SP | title = "JIP"ing along the axon: the complex roles of JIPs in axonal transport | journal = BioEssays | volume = 30 | issue = 1 | pages = 10–4 | date = Jan 2008 | pmid = 18081006 | doi = 10.1002/bies.20695 }}</ref> In this context, JNK-dependent phosphorylation of JIP1 (and possibly JIP2) provides a signal for JIPs to release the JIP-bound and inactive upstream pathway components, thus driving a strong local positive feedback loop.<ref name="pmid12756254">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nihalani D, Wong HN, Holzman LB | title = Recruitment of JNK to JIP1 and JNK-dependent JIP1 phosphorylation regulates JNK module dynamics and activation | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 31 | pages = 28694–702 | date = Aug 2003 | pmid = 12756254 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M304212200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This sophisticated mechanism couples [[kinesin|kinesin-dependent transport]] to local JNK activation, not only in mammals, but also in the fruitfly ''[[Drosophila melanogaster]]''.<ref name="pmid17658258">{{cite journal | vauthors = Horiuchi D, Collins CA, Bhat P, Barkus RV, Diantonio A, Saxton WM | title = Control of a kinesin-cargo linkage mechanism by JNK pathway kinases | journal = Current Biology | volume = 17 | issue = 15 | pages = 1313–7 | date = Aug 2007 | pmid = 17658258 | pmc = 2041807 | doi = 10.1016/j.cub.2007.06.062 | bibcode = 2007CBio...17.1313H }}</ref>

== As therapeutic targets ==

Since the [[MAPK/ERK pathway|ERK signaling pathway]] is involved in both physiological and pathological cell proliferation, it is natural that ERK1/2 inhibitors would represent a desirable class of [[antineoplastic]] agents. Indeed, many of the proto-oncogenic "driver" mutations are tied to ERK1/2 signaling, such as constitutively active (mutant) [[receptor tyrosine kinase]]s, [[Ras subfamily|Ras]] or [[c-Raf|Raf]] proteins. Although no MKK1/2 or ERK1/2 inhibitors were developed for clinical use, kinase inhibitors that also inhibit [[Raf kinase]]s (e.g. [[Sorafenib]]) are successful antineoplastic agents against various types of cancer.<ref name="pmid22553052">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim DH, Sim T | title = Novel small molecule Raf kinase inhibitors for targeted cancer therapeutics | journal = Archives of Pharmacal Research | volume = 35 | issue = 4 | pages = 605–15 | date = Mar 2012 | pmid = 22553052 | doi = 10.1007/s12272-012-0403-5 | s2cid = 26714490 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Matsuda Y, Fukumoto M | title = Sorafenib: complexities of Raf-dependent and Raf-independent signaling are now unveiled | journal = Medical Molecular Morphology | volume = 44 | issue = 4 | pages = 183–9 | date = Dec 2011 | pmid = 22179180 | doi = 10.1007/s00795-011-0558-z | s2cid = 23677733 }}</ref> MEK inhibitor [[cobimetinib]] has been investigated in pre-clinical lung cancer models in combination with inhibition of the [[PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway|PI3K pathway]], where the two drugs lead to a synergistic response.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Heavey S, Cuffe S, Finn S, Young V, Ryan R, Nicholson S, Leonard N, McVeigh N, Barr M, O'Byrne K, Gately K | display-authors = 6 | title = In pursuit of synergy: An investigation of the PI3K/mTOR/MEK co-targeted inhibition strategy in NSCLC | journal = Oncotarget | volume = 7 | issue = 48 | pages = 79526–79543 | date = November 2016 | pmid = 27765909 | pmc = 5346733 | doi = 10.18632/oncotarget.12755 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Heavey S, O'Byrne KJ, Gately K | title = Strategies for co-targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in NSCLC | journal = Cancer Treatment Reviews | volume = 40 | issue = 3 | pages = 445–456 | date = April 2014 | pmid = 24055012 | doi = 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.08.006 }}</ref>

[[c-Jun N-terminal kinases|JNK kinases]] are implicated in the development of [[insulin resistance]] in obese individuals<ref name="pmid12447443">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hirosumi J, Tuncman G, Chang L, Görgün CZ, Uysal KT, Maeda K, Karin M, Hotamisligil GS | title = A central role for JNK in obesity and insulin resistance | journal = Nature | volume = 420 | issue = 6913 | pages = 333–6 | date = Nov 2002 | pmid = 12447443 | doi = 10.1038/nature01137 | bibcode = 2002Natur.420..333H | s2cid = 1659156 }}</ref> as well as neurotransmitter [[excitotoxicity]] after ischaemic conditions. Inhibition of JNK1 ameliorates insulin resistance in certain animal models. Mice that were genetically engineered to lack a functional JNK3 gene - the major isoform in brain – display enhanced ischemic tolerance and stroke recovery.<ref name="pmid15023353">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bogoyevitch MA, Boehm I, Oakley A, Ketterman AJ, Barr RK | title = Targeting the JNK MAPK cascade for inhibition: basic science and therapeutic potential | journal = Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics | volume = 1697 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 89–101 | date = Mar 2004 | pmid = 15023353 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbapap.2003.11.016 }}</ref> Although small-molecule JNK inhibitors are under development, none of them proved to be effective in human tests yet. A peptide-based JNK inhibitor (AM-111, a retro-inverse D-motif peptide from JIP1, formerly known as XG-102) is also under clinical development for [[sensorineural hearing loss]].<ref name="pmid13679429">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wang J, Van De Water TR, Bonny C, de Ribaupierre F, Puel JL, Zine A | title = A peptide inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase protects against both aminoglycoside and acoustic trauma-induced auditory hair cell death and hearing loss | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 23 | issue = 24 | pages = 8596–607 | date = Sep 2003 | pmid = 13679429 | pmc = 6740364 | doi =  10.1523/JNEUROSCI.23-24-08596.2003}}</ref>

[[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases|p38]] was once believed to be a perfect target for anti-inflammatory drugs. Yet the failure of more than a dozen chemically different compounds in the clinical phase suggests that p38 kinases might be poor therapeutic targets in [[autoimmune disease]]s. Many of these compounds were found to be [[hepatotoxic]] to various degree and tolerance to the anti-inflammatory effect developed within weeks.<ref name="pmid19180514">{{cite journal | vauthors = Genovese MC | title = Inhibition of p38: has the fat lady sung? | journal = Arthritis and Rheumatism | volume = 60 | issue = 2 | pages = 317–20 | date = Feb 2009 | pmid = 19180514 | doi = 10.1002/art.24264 | doi-access =  }}</ref> An alternative approach is to evaluate the potential for targeting upstream MAPKs, such as [[ASK1]].<ref name="Nygaard_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nygaard G, Di Paolo JA, Hammaker D, Boyle DL, Budas G, Notte GT, Mikaelian I, Barry V, Firestein GS | display-authors = 6 | title = Regulation and function of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 in rheumatoid arthritis | journal = Biochemical Pharmacology | volume = 151 | pages = 282–290 | date = May 2018 | pmid = 29408488 | doi = 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.01.041 | s2cid = 4863537 }}</ref> Studies in animal models of inflammatory arthritis have yielded promising results, and ASK1 has recently been found to be unique amongst the MAPKs in that it is inducible by inflammatory cytokines such as [[TNF-α]].<ref name="Nygaard_2018" />

== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Signal transduction]]
* [[MAP kinase kinase]]
* [[MAP kinase kinase kinase]]
* [[MAP kinase kinase kinase kinase]]
* [[MAPK1]] (ERK2)
* [[MAPK3]] (ERK1)
* [[MAPK7]] (ERK5)
* [[MAPK8]] (JNK1)
* [[MAPK9]] (JNK2)
* [[MAPK10]] (JNK3)
* [[MAPK11]] (p38-beta)
* [[MAPK12]] (p38-gamma)
* [[MAPK13]] (p38-delta)
* [[MAPK14]] (p38-alpha)
* [[MAPK4]] (ERK4: atypical MAPK)
* [[MAPK6]] (ERK3: atypical MAPK)
* [[MAPK15]] (ERK7/ERK8: atypical MAPK)
* [[NLK]] (Nemo-like kinase: atypical MAPK)
* [[Extracellular signal-regulated kinases|ERK1/2 kinases]]
* [[MAPK/ERK pathway|ERK1/2 pathway]]
* [[c-Jun N-terminal kinases|JNK kinases]]
* [[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases|p38 MAP kinases]]
* [[MAP3K2|MEKK2]] (MAP3K2)
* [[ASK1]] (MAP3K5)

{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{reflist|33em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.mapkinases.eu MAP Kinase Resource ].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060905161407/http://www.gene.ucl.ac.uk/nomenclature/genefamily/prkm.html Table of names] for mitogen-activated kinases.
* [http://wwwmgs.bionet.nsc.ru/mgs/gnw/genenet/viewer/MAPK%20cascade.html MAPK cascade picture]
* {{MeshName|Mitogen-Activated+Protein+Kinases}}
* [http://www.ebi.ac.uk/biomodels-main/static-pages.do?page=ModelMonth%252FJune2006%2FBIOMD0000000009_MM Model of MAPK ultrasensitivity in BioModels Database]
* [http://www.sdbonline.org/fly/torstoll/mapkin1.htm ''Drosophila'' ''rolled'' – The Interactive Fly]

{{Signaling proteins}}
{{MAP kinase activation}}
{{Serine/threonine-specific protein kinases}}
{{Enzymes}}
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