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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/map2k2/

MAP2K2 gene

mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2

Normal Function

The MAP2K2 gene provides instructions for making a protein known as MEK2 protein kinase. This protein is part of a signaling pathway called the RAS/MAPK pathway, which transmits chemical signals from outside the cell to the cell's nucleus. RAS/MAPK signaling helps control the growth and division (proliferation) of cells, the process by which cells mature to carry out specific functions (differentiation), cell movement, and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

The MAP2K2 gene is very similar to a gene called MAP2K1, which provides instructions for making a protein known as MEK1 protein kinase. Like MEK2 protein kinase, this protein functions as part of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. Together, the MEK1 and MEK2 protein kinases appear to be essential for normal development before birth and for survival after birth.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome

At least 13 mutations in the MAP2K2 gene have been identified in people with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome. Most of these mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in MEK2 protein kinase, although one mutation deletes several amino acids from the protein. These genetic changes abnormally activate MEK2 kinase, which disrupts the tightly regulated RAS/MAPK signaling pathway in cells throughout the body. The altered signaling interferes with the normal development of many organs and tissues, resulting in the characteristic features of cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2
  • ERK activator kinase 2
  • MAP kinase kinase 2
  • MAPK-ERK Kinase 2
  • MAPK/ERK kinase 2
  • MAPKK2
  • MEK2
  • mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2, p45
  • MKK2
  • MP2K2_HUMAN
  • PRKMK2

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Duesbery N, Vande Woude G. BRAF and MEK mutations make a late entrance. Sci STKE. 2006 Mar 28;2006(328):pe15. doi: 10.1126/stke.3282006pe15. Citation on PubMed
  • Narumi Y, Aoki Y, Niihori T, Neri G, Cave H, Verloes A, Nava C, Kavamura MI, Okamoto N, Kurosawa K, Hennekam RC, Wilson LC, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Wieczorek D, Lapunzina P, Ohashi H, Makita Y, Kondo I, Tsuchiya S, Ito E, Sameshima K, Kato K, Kure S, Matsubara Y. Molecular and clinical characterization of cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome: overlapping clinical manifestations with Costello syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2007 Apr 15;143A(8):799-807. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31658. Citation on PubMed
  • Nava C, Hanna N, Michot C, Pereira S, Pouvreau N, Niihori T, Aoki Y, Matsubara Y, Arveiler B, Lacombe D, Pasmant E, Parfait B, Baumann C, Heron D, Sigaudy S, Toutain A, Rio M, Goldenberg A, Leheup B, Verloes A, Cave H. Cardio-facio-cutaneous and Noonan syndromes due to mutations in the RAS/MAPK signalling pathway: genotype-phenotype relationships and overlap with Costello syndrome. J Med Genet. 2007 Dec;44(12):763-71. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2007.050450. Epub 2007 Aug 17. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Rodriguez-Viciana P, Tetsu O, Tidyman WE, Estep AL, Conger BA, Cruz MS, McCormick F, Rauen KA. Germline mutations in genes within the MAPK pathway cause cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. Science. 2006 Mar 3;311(5765):1287-90. doi: 10.1126/science.1124642. Epub 2006 Jan 26. Citation on PubMed
  • Scholl FA, Dumesic PA, Barragan DI, Harada K, Bissonauth V, Charron J, Khavari PA. Mek1/2 MAPK kinases are essential for Mammalian development, homeostasis, and Raf-induced hyperplasia. Dev Cell. 2007 Apr;12(4):615-29. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2007.03.009. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.