Signaling through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 cascade in cardiac myocytes.

Clerk, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5658-0708 and Sugden, P. H. (2004) Signaling through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 cascade in cardiac myocytes. Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire, 82 (6). pp. 603-9. ISSN 0829-8211

Abstract/Summary

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are particularly implicated in the growth response of cardiac myocytes. In these cells, the ERK1/2 pathway is potently activated by Gq protein-coupled receptor agonists (such as endothelin-1 or alpha-adrenergic agonists), which activate protein kinase C isoforms. Here, we review the mechanisms associated with the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway by these agonists with particular emphasis on signal integration into the pathway. Signaling to the nucleus and the regulation of transcription factor activity associated with ERK1/2 activation in cardiac myocytes are also discussed.