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MAPK/ERK Pathway

Meaning

The Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is a highly conserved and fundamental intracellular signaling cascade that transduces external stimuli into cellular responses, including proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This pathway serves as a critical nexus for integrating diverse hormonal and growth factor signals, translating extracellular information into gene expression changes within the nucleus. Dysregulation of this cascade is frequently implicated in various pathologies, including endocrine resistance and neoplastic transformation.