Overview

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cell signaling pathway promotes cell growth, proliferation, and survival. The MAP kinase pathway may be activated via several different routes, including upstream growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream mutations in pathway gene components. [1]

Figure 1. Binding of a growth factor (e.g., EGF, HGF) to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activates the receptor's activity. SRC binds to the receptor at its SH2 domain. Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase triggers downstream phosphorylation and activation of (H-/K-/N-) RAS, (A-/B-/C-) RAF, MEK1/2 (MAP2K1), ERK1/2 (MAPK1). Ultimately, ERK (MAPK1) activation activates gene transcription that regulates cell growth and survival. Specific nodes in the pathway that are therapeutically actionable are noted.

Pathways upstream of MAP kinase signaling pathway:
Drug categories targeting MAP kinase signaling pathway:

Biomarker-Directed Therapies

References

1. All assertions and clinical trial landscape data are curated from primary sources. You can read more about the curation process here.