Question

A scientist notices that a cancer cell line shows high levels of phosphorylated ERK in the absence of EGF. What are two possible explanations for the increase in phosphorylated ERK? Be specific in which proteins are involved.

Short answer

The likely explanation suggests that ERK gets mutated, preventing appropriate functioning.

Step-by-step solution

Step. 1 Introduction

The ERK cascades seems to be important in many biological functions, including tumor growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and viability. As a result, it is required for several physiological events which include development, immunology, and metabolic activity.

Step. 2 Explanation

The EGFR dimer cannot be separated. The signalling cascade is constitutively activated by an upstream alteration (in Ras, Raf, or MEK). A mutation in ERK inhibits it from interacting to its phosphatase. The cell has a mutation that prevents the ERK-specific phosphatase from expressing or functioning.