MEK1 and MEK2, also called MAP kinase kinase and ERK activator kinase, are dual-specificity protein kinases that function in a mitogen activated protein kinase cascade controlling both cell growth and differentiation. MEK1/2 is activated by a wide variety of growth factors and cytokines, and also by membrane depolarization and calcium influx, with the predominant activators being Raf kinases. MEK is involved in the MAPK signaling pathway of Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK. This signaling cascade is an important target in cancer therapy, making high-throughput study methods in demand.


