Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are activated by dual phosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine residues. The activation is carried out by the family of enzymes known as MAP Kinase Kinases (SKKs, MKKs or MEKs). There are at least four distinct SKKs/MKKs/MEKs identified in mammalian cell types: MKK1/MKK2 that activates Erk1/Erk2; MKK3 that activates Mpk2/p38 MAPK; MKK4 that activates p38 and Jun kinase; and MKK5 that activates ErkK5/BMK1. A newly described SKK/MKK has been termed SKK3/MKK6 or MEK6. SKK3/MKK6 is closely related to MKK3 and selectively phosphorylates p38. However, unlike the previously described SKKs/MKKs/MEKs, SKK3/MKK6 exists in a variety of alternatively spliced isoforms and unlike MKK4 is not regulated by rac or Cdc42.
Specific Activity: 33u/mg using myelin basic protein (MBP) as a final substrate. 1u SKK3/MEK6 = 1u p38a/SAPK2a generated per minute. 1u p38a/SAPK2a = 1nmol phosphate incorporated into MBP per minute.
Storage and Stability: Stable for 6 months at -70 degrees C from date of shipment.
In Vitro Kinase Assay: SKK3/MEK6 phosphorylated and activated unactive SAPK2a/p38a in vitro. MBP was used as a substrate to assess activation of SAPK2a/p38a.