Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1c (ERK1c), a novel 42-kilodalton ERK, demonstrates unique modes of regulation, localization, and function.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are signaling molecules that regulate many cellular processes. We have previously identified an alternatively spliced 46-kDa form of ERK1 that is expressed in rats and mice and named ERK1b. Here we report that the same splicing event in humans and monkeys causes, due to sequence differences in the inserted introns, the production of an ERK isoform that migrates together with the 42-kDa ERK2. Because of the differences of this isoform from ERK1b, we named it ERK1c. We found that its expression levels are about 10% of ERK1. ERK1c seems to be expressed in a wide variety of tissues and cells. Its activation by MEKs and inactivation by phosphatases are slower than those of ERK1, which is probably the reason for its differential regulation in respons

SUBMITTER: Aebersold DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC525466 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature