MAPK signaling pathway

The MAPK signaling pathway is a chain of molecular reactions inside cells that helps them respond to external signals such as growth factors, stress, or hormones. When a signal binds to a cell's surface, it activates a sequence of proteins called kinases, which pass the message along. This cascade ultimately reaches the nucleus, where it influences gene activity, leading to responses like cell growth, division, or survival. The pathway is vital for proper cell function, development, and adaptation, and its malfunction can contribute to diseases like cancer.