Genomic loci of human mitogen-activated protein kinases

Li Li, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Mark Allen Wysk, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Fernando A. Gonzalez
Roger J. Davis, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Document Type Article

Abstract

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases [also known as Erks] have been established to function as important mediators of signal transduction by growth factor receptors. Several components of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway have been demonstrated to be oncogenically activated in malignant tumors. These include growth factor receptors, the GTP-binding protein Ras, and the protein kinase Raf. The genes that encode MAP kinases therefore represent potential targets of carcinogenic insults. Here, we report the genomic loci of three MAP kinase genes are widely distributed within the human genome: p41mapk (Erk2) at 22q11.2; p44mapk (Erk1) at 16p11.2; and p63mapk (Erk3-related) at 18q12-21.