Overview:

ERK5 is a member of the MAP kinase family and is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation and development. ERK5 is activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5/MEK5) and is involved in downstream signaling processes of various receptors. In response to extracelluar signals, ERK5 translocates to cell nucleus where it regulates gene expression by phosphorylating and activating different transcription factors. Gene deletion of ERK5 in mice results in defective blood vessel and cardiac development leading to embryonic lethality (1). ERK5 has been shown to be critical for endothelial function and maintenance of blood vessel integrity (2).

Genbank Number:

NM_139033

References:

1. Regan, C P. et al: Erk5 null mice display multiple extraembryonic vascular and embryonic cardiovascular defects. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 99: 9248-9253, 2002.
2. Hayashi, M. et al: Targeted deletion of BMK1/ERK5 in adult mice perturbs vascular integrity and leads to endothelial failure. J. Clin. Invest. 113: 1138-1148, 2004.