MAPK7 Protein, Human

ERK 5 is a protein kinase involved in various cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Its upstream activator is the MAPK kinase MAP2K5. Upon activation, ERK 5 translocates to the nucleus and phosphorylates multiple downstream targets, including MEF2C. EGF activates ERK 5 through a Ras-independent but MAP2K5-dependent pathway. As part of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, ERK 5 acts as a negative regulator of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by interacting with STUB1/CHIP and promoting STUB1-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of ICER-type isoforms of CREM (by similar). ERK 5 may play a role in muscle cell differentiation and is important for endothelial function and blood vessel integrity. MAP2K5 and ERK 5 specifically interact with each other but not with the MEK1/ERK1 or MEK2/ERK2 pathways. ERK 5 phosphorylates SGK1 at Ser-78, which is required for growth factor-induced cell cycle progression. Additionally, ERK 5 regulates p53/TP53 by disrupting the PML-MDM2 interaction.