A MAPK cascade containing at least the ERK1 or ERK2 MAP kinases. It starts with the activation of a MAP3K, and the consecutive activation of a MPK2K and of ERK1 or ERK2. The cascade can also contain an additional tier: the upstream MAP4K. The kinases in each tier phosphorylate and activate the kinase in the downstream tier. The ERK1/ERK2 cascade is activated by mitogens, growth factors, G protein-coupled receptors, and results in cellular responses such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation and development.
ERK1 and ERK2 signalling pathway