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Localization and Trafficking of Fluorescently Tagged ERK1 and ERK2

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MAP Kinase Signaling Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 661))

Abstract

The action of ERK1 and ERK2 activity on the nuclear substrates requires crossing the nuclear envelope and the localization of phospho-ERK into the nucleus. The nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking of ERK is therefore crucial for the correct functioning of the pathway. Indeed, this step is necessary for the correct control of gene expression by growth-factors, for morphological transformation of fibroblasts and for neurite extension in PC12. Furthermore, disruption of ERK2 localization in the nucleus severely affects the transduction of ERK2 signaling. This process has now been observed and quantitatively measured by expressing fluorescently tagged ERK1 and ERK2. These experiments provide important insight on the operation of these signaling modules and have revealed an hitherto unknown functional difference between ERK1 and ERK2.

Matilde Marchi and Riccardo Parra have contributed equally to this chapter

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NEST/INFM and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy

    Matilde Marchi, Riccardo Parra & Gian Michele Ratto

  2. CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy

    Mario Costa

Authors
  1. Matilde Marchi
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  2. Riccardo Parra
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  3. Mario Costa
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  4. Gian Michele Ratto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gian Michele Ratto .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

    Rony Seger

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Marchi, M., Parra, R., Costa, M., Ratto, G.M. (2010). Localization and Trafficking of Fluorescently Tagged ERK1 and ERK2. In: Seger, R. (eds) MAP Kinase Signaling Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 661. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-795-2_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-795-2_17

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-794-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-795-2

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