Background
MEK5 is a dual specific kinase that specifically activates ERK5 involved in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including cell growth, survival, and differentiation. The MEK5-ERK5 pathway is activated in numerous cancer types and plays a role in tumor growth and metastasis. Pharmacological targeting of the MEK5-ERK5 pathway has been investigated as a strategy for cancer treatment. MEK5 is activated by a variety of stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, and oxidative stress. Activation of MEK5 is triggered by upstream kinases MEKK2 and MEKK3, leading to phosphorylation of MEK5 at Ser311 and Thr315, which subsequently leads to MEK5 dependent phosphorylation of EKR5 at Thr218 and Tyr220. Phosphorylation of ERK5 leads to nuclear translocation and regulation of several oncogenic transcription factors, including MEF2C, c-Fos, c-Myc, and Sap1.
Cellular location
Cytosol, nucleus