Work

Role of extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 in neuronal survival

Year: 2004

Type: review

Abstract: Extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) regulate cellular responses to a variety of extracellular stimuli. In the nervous system, ERK1/2 is critical for neuronal differentiation, plasticity and may also modulate neuronal survival. In this minireview, we present evidence that supports prosurvival activity of ERK1/2 in neurons. Several reports suggest that ERK1/2 mediates neuroprotective activity of extracellular factors, including neurotrophins. In addition, ERK1/2 is activated by neuronal injury. In damaged cells, ERK1/2 activation may act as a defensive mechanism that helps to compensate for the deleterious effects of a damaging insult. The emerging mechanisms of ERK1/2-mediated neuroprotection may involve transcriptional regulation and/or direct inhibition of cell death machinery.

Source: European Journal of Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04133.x

Authors: Michal Hetman, Agata Gozdz

Institutions: University of Louisville, Instytut Biologii Doświadczalnej im. Marcelego Nenckiego

Language: English

Topic: Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources