ERK1/2 MAP kinases in cell survival and apoptosis

Abstract ERK1/2 is an important subfamily of mitogen‐activated protein kinases that control a broad range of cellular activities and physiological processes. ERK1/2 can be activated transiently or persistently by MEK1/2 and upstream MAP3Ks in conjunction with regulation and involvement of scaffolding proteins and phosphatases. Activation of ERK1/2 generally promotes cell survival; but under certain conditions, ERK1/2 can have pro‐apoptotic functions. iubmb Life, 58: 621 ‐ 631, 2006