The MAP2K2 gene provides instructions for making a protein known as MEK2 protein kinase. This protein is part of a signaling pathway called the RAS/MAPK pathway, which transmits chemical signals from outside the cell to the cell’s nucleus. RAS/MAPK signaling helps control the growth and division (proliferation) of cells, the process by which cells mature to carry out specific functions (differentiation), cell movement, and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).
The MAP2K2 gene is very similar to a gene called MAP2K1, which provides instructions for making a protein known as MEK1 protein kinase. Like MEK2 protein kinase, this protein functions as part of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. Together, the MEK1 and MEK2 protein kinases appear to be essential for normal development before birth and for survival after birth.
Other Names
dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2; ERK activator kinase 2; MAP kinase kinase 2; MAPK-ERK Kinase 2; MAPK/ERK kinase 2; MAPKK2; MEK2; mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2, p45; MKK2; MP2K2_HUMAN; PRKMK2
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 5605
- OMIM: 601263
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
