MAP2K3
(Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 3 (MAP2K3))
Alternative Name
MKK3 (MAP Kinase Kinase 3)
Background
MKK3 is a protein kinase that phosphorylates the p38 MAPK but not ERK MAPK. Phosphorylation by MKK3 occurs on threonine and tyrosine residues and increases the activity of p38 to stimulate transcription factors ATF2 and Elk-1. MKK3, together with MKK6, serve as upstream regulators of p38 MAPK activation. A structural variant, MKK3b, has been identified that contains 29 more amino acids at its N-terminus.