Overview:

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MEK4 or MKK4) is dual specificity kinase of the STE7 family that phosphorylates and activates JNK1 and -2 as well as p38. MKK4 preferentially phosphorylates the tyrosine residue of JNKs. Mediates a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes such as responses to cellular stresses and inflammatory cytokines. MKK4 is important for carcinogenesis, a loss-off-function mutation in MKK4 was found in lung and pancreatic tumors. Conversely, a pro-oncogenic role was also found for MKK4.

Gene Aliases:

MAP2K4, JNKK1, MAPKK4, MKK4, PRKMK4, SKK-1, SEK1

Genbank Number:

NM_003010

References:

1. Lin A, et al. Identification of a dual specificity kinase that activates the Jun kinases and p38-Mpk2. Science. 268: 286-90, 1995.

2. Wang L, et al. Evidence of MKK4 pro-oncogenic activity in breast and pancreatic tumors. Oncogene. 23:5978-85, 2004.