extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a protein enzyme that plays a critical role in transmitting signals from the surface of a cell to its interior. When the cell receives external cues, such as growth factors, ERK becomes activated through a series of chemical reactions. Once active, ERK moves into the cell nucleus, where it influences the activity of genes involved in processes like cell growth, division, and survival. This pathway helps regulate normal cell functions and responds to environmental signals, but when disrupted, it can contribute to diseases like cancer.