Cellular and physiological roles of the conserved atypical MAP kinase ERK7

  • FEBS Lett. 2023 Mar;597(5):601-607. doi: 10.1002/1873-3468.14521.
Onur Deniz  1  2 ,  Kiran Hasygar  1  2 ,  Ville Hietakangas  1  2
Affiliations
  • 1. Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.
  • 2. Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland.
PMID: 36266944 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14521
Abstract

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 7 (ERK7), also known as ERK8 and MAPK15, is an atypical member of the MAP kinase family. Compared with other MAP Kinases, the biological roles of ERK7 remain poorly understood. Recent work, however, has revealed several novel functions for ERK7. These include a highly conserved essential role in ciliogenesis, the ability to control cell growth, metabolism and Autophagy, as well as the maintenance of genomic integrity. ERK7 functions through phosphorylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms and it is activated by cellular stressors, including DNA-damaging agents, and nutrient deprivation. Here, we summarize recent developments in understanding ERK7 function, emphasizing its conserved roles in cellular and physiological regulation.

Keywords
Toxoplasma; DNA damage; adiposity; apical complex; autophagy; cilia; growth control; kinase; nutrient sensing; phosphorylation; signalling.