Deschênes-Simard X, Malleshaiah M, Ferbeyre G. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases: One Pathway, Multiple Fates.
Cancers (Basel) 2023;
16:95. [PMID:
38201521 PMCID:
PMC10778234 DOI:
10.3390/cancers16010095]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted aspects of ERK signaling and the intricate mechanisms underlying distinct cellular fates. ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK) govern proliferation, transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, differentiation, senescence, or cell death, contingent upon activation strength, duration, and context. The biochemical mechanisms underlying these outcomes are inadequately understood, shaped by signaling feedback and the spatial localization of ERK activation. Generally, ERK activation aligns with the Goldilocks principle in cell fate determination. Inadequate or excessive ERK activity hinders cell proliferation, while balanced activation promotes both cell proliferation and survival. Unraveling the intricacies of how the degree of ERK activation dictates cell fate requires deciphering mechanisms encompassing protein stability, transcription factors downstream of ERK, and the chromatin landscape.
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