MEKK1 binds raf-1 and the ERK2 cascade components

J Biol Chem. 2000 Dec 22;275(51):40120-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M005926200.

Abstract

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades are involved in transmitting signals that are generated at the cell surface into the cytosol and nucleus and consist of three sequentially acting enzymes: a MAP kinase, an upstream MAP/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), and a MEK kinase (MEKK). Protein-protein interactions within these cascades provide a mechanism to control the localization and function of the proteins. MEKK1 is implicated in activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) and ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathways. We showed previously that MEKK1 binds directly to JNK/SAPK. In this study we demonstrate that endogenous MEKK1 binds to endogenous ERK2, MEK1, and another MEKK level kinase, Raf-1, suggesting that it can assemble all three proteins of the ERK2 MAP kinase module.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf / metabolism*
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1
  • MAP3K1 protein, human