ERK1 and ERK2, also known as ERK1/2, are serine/threonine protein kinases and essential components of the MAP kinase signaling cascade.1 They share 84% sequence homology and are each composed of a glycine-rich loop, hinge region, and protein kinase domain containing a catalytic HRD motif, activation segment, and kinase insert domain. ERK1/2 are ubiquitously expressed though ERK2 is expressed at higher levels than ERK1 and is predominant in the brain and hematopoietic cells.2,3 Both isoforms localize to the cytosol anchored to MEK1/2.1 Upon extracellular stimulation with mitogens, growth factors, or cytokines, the MAP kinase signaling cascade is initiated and terminates with dual phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 in the activation segment's activation lip at Thr202/Tyr204 or Thr185/Tyr187, respectively, by MEK1/2.4,5,1,6 Upon activation, ERK1/2 phosphorylate and activate substrates in the cytosol or various subcellular compartments, including the nucleus where they induce activation of transcription factors involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and the stress response.7,8,4,5 Misregulation of the MAP kinase cascade drives development of various cancers.4,5 Cayman's ERK1/2 (Phospho-Thr202/Tyr204) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody (Clone RM451) can be used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) applications.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
