ERKT

ERKT refers to the Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase pathway, also known as the MAPK/ERK pathway. This is a fundamental signaling cascade found in most eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in regulating a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration. The pathway is activated by a diverse range of extracellular stimuli such as growth factors, hormones, and cytokines.

The ERKT pathway operates through a series of sequential phosphorylations. It begins with the activation of receptor tyrosine kinases or other upstream signaling molecules. These then recruit and activate adapter proteins, which in turn activate the Raf kinase. Raf then phosphorylates MEK (MAP Kinase Kinase), which subsequently phosphorylates ERK (Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase). Once activated, ERK can translocate to the nucleus and phosphorylate various transcription factors, influencing gene expression. It can also phosphorylate cytoplasmic targets, affecting protein activity and cellular functions. Dysregulation of the ERKT pathway is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly cancer, where its aberrant activation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and survival. Therefore, the ERKT pathway is a significant target for therapeutic interventions in various pathologies.