This gene encodes a member of the dual specificity protein kinase family, which functions as a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase. MAP kinases, also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals. This protein phosphorylates and activates p38 MAP kinase in response to inflammatory cytokines or environmental stress. As an essential component of p38 MAP kinase mediated signal transduction pathway, this gene is involved in many cellular processes such as stress induced cell cycle arrest, transcription activation and apoptosis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],catalytic activity:ATP + a protein = ADP + a phosphoprotein.,enzyme regulation:Probably activated by dual phosphorylation on Ser-207 and Thr-211.,function:Catalyzes the concomitant phosphorylation of a threonine and a tyrosine residue in MAP kinase p38 exclusively.,induction:Strongly activated by UV, anisomycin, and osmotic shock but not by phorbol esters, NGF or EGF.,PTM:Acetylation of Ser-207 and Thr-211 by Yersinia yopJ prevents phosphorylation and activation, thus blocking the MAPK signaling pathway.,PTM:Weakly autophosphorylated.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. STE Ser/Thr protein kinase family. MAP kinase kinase subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,subunit:Interacts with Yersinia yopJ.,tissue specificity:Isoform 2 is only expressed in skeletal muscle. Isoform 1, on the other hand, is found in skeletal muscle, heart, and in lesser extent in liver or pancreas.,
