MAPK ERK Kinase Kinases (MEKKs) are a group of serine/threonine protein kinases that participate in various cellular signaling pathways. They are members of the MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) family and play a crucial role in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This pathway is involved in the regulation of numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and survival.
MEKKs are primarily responsible for activating the MAPK/ERK pathway by phosphorylating and activating the dual-specificity MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks), also known as MEKs. MEKs, in turn, phosphorylate and activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), leading to the activation of downstream signaling cascades.
There are several subfamilies of MEKKs, including MEKK1-4, TAOK1-3, and MLK1-4, which exhibit different substrate specificity and cellular functions. They are typically activated in response to various extracellular stimuli, such as growth factors, cytokines, and stress signals.
MEKKs play an essential role in the regulation of cellular processes involved in development, immune response, and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of MEKKs and the MAPK/ERK pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, MEKKs are a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the MAPK/ERK pathway to restore normal cellular functions and prevent or treat these diseases.
