mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a type of enzyme inside cells that helps transmit signals from the cell's surface to its interior. It plays a crucial role in controlling processes such as cell growth, division, and response to stress or injury. When a signal, like a growth factor or stress, binds to the cell's surface, MAPK gets activated through a cascade of steps. Once active, it moves into the nucleus to influence gene activity, ultimately guiding how the cell behaves. MAPK pathways are essential for normal cellular function and development, and their malfunction can be involved in diseases like cancer.