MAP kinase phosphatase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: a phosphorylated MAP kinase + H2O = a MAP kinase + phosphate. [GOC:mah, PMID:12184814, PMID:17208316]

MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) are a family of protein phosphatases that specifically dephosphorylate and inactivate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). MAPKs are key signaling molecules involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, survival, and stress responses. MKPs play a crucial role in regulating the duration and intensity of MAPK signaling by removing phosphate groups from specific tyrosine and threonine residues within the activation loop of MAPKs. This dephosphorylation event leads to the inactivation of MAPKs, effectively terminating their signaling cascade. MKPs are highly regulated enzymes themselves, with their activity being influenced by various factors such as cellular stress, growth factors, and hormones. Their expression levels and subcellular localization are also tightly controlled, ensuring that they are appropriately positioned to exert their regulatory effects on MAPKs. The precise molecular mechanism by which MKPs dephosphorylate MAPKs involves a two-step process. First, the catalytic domain of the MKP binds to the MAPK substrate. Second, the MKP uses a conserved catalytic cysteine residue to remove the phosphate group from the MAPK, resulting in the dephosphorylated and inactive form of the MAPK. This dephosphorylation event effectively shuts off the MAPK signaling pathway, preventing further downstream signaling events. MKPs are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and ensuring appropriate responses to diverse stimuli. They play a critical role in fine-tuning MAPK signaling, preventing excessive or inappropriate activation of these kinases, which can lead to various cellular dysfunctions and diseases. Dysregulation of MKP activity has been implicated in a range of human diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, MKPs are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, with the potential to modulate MAPK signaling pathways and treat these conditions.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (14)