MAPK CASCADES IN CELL-GROWTH AND DEATH

Distinct signal transduction cascades comprised of at least three prot ein kinases mediate cellular proliferation and differentiation, growth arrest, and programmed cell death. These cytosolic enzymes relay extr acellular signals from cell surface to nucleus, leading to changes in gene expression. Signaling components of these cascades offer new poss ibilities for therapeutic strategies in tumorigenesis, inflammatory di seases, immunopotentiation, wound healing, and regeneration.