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The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2), also called p44 and p42 MAP kinases, are members of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) family of proteins found in all eukaryotes. Because the 44 kDa ERK1 and the 42 kDa ERK2 are highly homologous and both function in the same protein kinase cascade, the two proteins are often referred to collectively as ERK1/2 or p44/p42 MAP kinase. The ERK1/2 signaling cascade has been shown to be a critical regulator of cell differentiation, cell physiology and neuronal function. Aberrant control of ERK1/2 activity has been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, and efficient study methods are in demand.
Figure 1: Colorimetric measurement of phosphorylated ERK and total ERK.
Murine Macrophage 4/4 cells were cultured in 96-well plates and serum-starved for 16 hours. Cells were then stimulated with the indicated amounts of Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 10 minutes and fixed. Total ERK and phospho ERK were each assayed in triplicate using the phospho-ERK and total-ERK antibodies included in the FACE ERK1/2 Kit. Data was plotted after correction for cell number (performed through use of Crystal Violet). Note that the induction treatment did not affect the overall level of total ERK.
Antibody Specificities
The phospho-ERK antibody is specific for phosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2 and was raised against a synthetic phospho-peptide corresponding to residues Thr202 and Tyr204 of human ERK1 and Thr185 and Tyr187 of human ERK2. This antibody recognizes both phosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2. It does not recognize unphosphorylated ERK1 or ERK2, nor does it recognize other phosphorylated proteins. The total-ERK antibody recognizes ERK1 and ERK2 regardless of the phosphorylation state.
