MEK3 belongs to MAPKK family. This kinase is activated by mitogenic and environmental stress, and participates in the MAPK-mediated signaling cascade. It phosphorylates and thus activates p38. This kinase can be activated by insulin, and is necessary for the expression of glucose transporter. Expression of Ras oncogene is found to result in the accumulation of the active form of this kinase, which thus leads to the constitutive activation of p38, and confers oncogenic transformation of primary cells. The inhibition of this kinase is involved in the pathogenesis of Yersina pseudotuberculosis. Wang W, et al. (2002) Mol Cell Biol , 22(10): 3389-403. Raingeaud J, et al. (1996) Mol Cell Biol, 16(3): 1247-55.
