Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase 11 (MAPK11)

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 11 is a member of the MAP kinase family. MAP kinases act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals, and are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation, and development. This kinase is most closely related to p38 MAP kinase, both of which can be activated by proinflammatory cytokines and environmental stress. This kinase is activated through its phosphorylation by MAP kinase kinases (MKKs), preferably by MKK6. Transcription factor ATF2/CREB2 has been shown to be a substrate of this kinase. EGF-stimulated cytotrophoblast differentiation to syncytium requires MAPK11/14 activation, and that cytotrophoblast proliferation can be stimulated in culture by EGF and enhanced by MAPK11/14 inhibition with a consequent reduction of differentiation.