Overview:

MEK4 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in the stress-activated protein kinase pathway where it phosphorylates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (1). MEK4 is part of a signaling system that is stimulated in the presence of stress to the cell (including chemotherapy), and it controls differentiation and programmed cell death (apoptosis). MEK4 is central component of signal transduction pathways induced by mitogens and stresses. MEK4 genetic inactivation has been observed in a subset of pancreatic carcinomas, implicating deregulation of the stress-activated protein kinase pathway in pancreatic carcinogenesis (2).

Gene Aliases:

MAP2K4, JNKK, MEK4, JNKK1, SERK1, MAPKK4, PRKMK4, SEK1

Genbank Number:

NM_003010

References:

1. Karl Deacon, K. et al: Characterization of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (MEK4)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 and MKK3/p38 Pathways Regulated by MEK Kinases 2 and 3. J. Biol. Chem.1997; 272(22): 14489-14496.

2. Wei, X. et al: MAP2K4/MEK4 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer. Clinical Cancer Res. 2004; 10, 8516-8520.