Dynamic Model and Regulatory Mechanism of Integrated ERK Signal Pathway Activated by Epidermal Growth Factor

Extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction is an important signaling pathway, involved in a variety of processes in cell and closely related to the occurrences of diverse tumors. This raises the question how these diverse functions are specified and coordinated. In this work, we present an integrated computational model of ERK signal transduction pathway, investigating the regulatory mechanism of ERK signal pathway by variation of the concentration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as the binding affinity of adaptor proteins. The results show that EGFR and distinct adaptor proteins engender different activation patterns of ERK, which will bring different cellular responses. It could be helpful to understand the mechanism of ERK signal pathway and the relationship between ERK signal network and tumor development or therapy.