Alternative Name(s): MAP2K1/MAP2K2
Test Description
MEK1 and MEK2 are dual specificity protein kinases that participate in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signal transduction cascade, or MAPK pathway. This pathway is overactive in some cancers. MEK1 is activated by phosphorylation of two serine residues (S218 and S222), and MEK2 is activated by phosphorylation of S222 and S226. MEK inhibitor drugs are highly selective anti-cancer drugs that can cause cell death and inhibit tumor growth.