The function of truncated MEK1 in a G2 phase cell cycle delay and in mitosis (2007-2009)

In many cancers signaling through Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK is mutated. The effects of mutations of this pathway are proliferative and pro-survival advantages gained by cells with these mutations. The existence of another function for this important signaling pathway, or at least components of the pathway, will provide an entirely novel spectrum of possible outcomes for mutations of this pathway. It will also have major implication for therapies targeting the conventional Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway as the outcomes may reflect not only influencing the activity of the conventional pathway but also the novel functions of this modified pathway.