Rabbit Polyclonal MAPK3 Antibody

The mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), is a key member of the MAPK signaling pathway involved in regulating cellular responses to growth factors, stress, and cytokines. As part of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK cascade, MAPK3 plays a central role in cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. It is activated via dual phosphorylation at conserved threonine and tyrosine residues (Thr202/Tyr204) by upstream MAPK kinases (MEK1/2). Antibodies targeting MAPK3 are widely used in research to study its expression, activation state, and subcellular localization under physiological or pathological conditions. These antibodies—often raised in rabbits or mice—are designed to detect either total MAPK3 or its phosphorylated (active) form. Validation typically includes Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, with specificity confirmed using knockout controls or peptide blocking assays. Challenges in using MAPK3 antibodies include distinguishing between phosphorylated and inactive forms, cross-reactivity with the closely related MAPK1 (ERK2), and ensuring proper sample preparation to preserve post-translational modifications. Such antibodies are critical tools for investigating MAPK3's role in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders, where dysregulated ERK signaling is frequently implicated.