Erktide [IPTTPITTTYFFFK]

Product Name: Erktide [IPTTPITTTYFFFK]

Sequence One Letter Code: IPTTPITTTYFFFK

Sequence Three Letter Code: H-Ile-Pro-Thr-Thr-Pro-Ile-Thr-Thr-Thr-Tyr-Phe-Phe-Phe-Lys-OH

Chemical Formula:C84H121N15O21

Molecular Weight: 1677

Purity: 95%

Form: Lyophilized

Storage Conditions: - 20 °C

Research Area: peptide substrate

Conjugation: Unconjugated

Code Nacres: NA.26

Application: Erktide is a synthetic peptide substrate specifically recognized by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), a key component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. ERK signaling regulates numerous cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and survival in response to growth factors and mitogenic stimuli. Erktide is widely used in kinase assays to measure ERK2 activity and to monitor pathway activation in biochemical and cellular studies. The peptide provides a convenient substrate for evaluating ERK-dependent phosphorylation and assessing the effects of pathway modulators or kinase inhibitors. It supports research in signal transduction, cancer biology, and drug discovery targeting MAPK signaling networks. Erktide is commonly applied in enzymatic activity assays, inhibitor screening workflows, and mechanistic studies of ERK-mediated signaling.

Current Research: Introduction to ERK/MAPK Signaling The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is one of the most extensively studied intracellular signaling networks. It plays a central role in transmitting signals from extracellular stimuli, such as growth factors and mitogens, to intracellular targets that regulate gene expression and cellular behavior. Within this pathway, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) function as key downstream effectors that control processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Among the ERK family members, ERK2 is particularly important in mediating responses to growth factor signaling and environmental cues. Dysregulation of ERK signaling has been implicated in numerous diseases, especially cancer, where persistent pathway activation can drive uncontrolled cell growth. Because of its critical biological role, ERK2 has become an important target for biochemical analysis and drug discovery research. Erktide as a Synthetic ERK2 Substrate Erktide is a synthetic peptide substrate specifically designed to be recognized and phosphorylated by ERK2 kinase. The peptide contains a sequence motif that matches the phosphorylation preferences of ERK2, allowing it to serve as a reliable substrate in enzymatic assays. When ERK2 is active, it transfers a phosphate group to a specific residue within the Erktide sequence. This phosphorylation event can be detected using various biochemical techniques, providing a direct readout of ERK2 activity. Because the peptide is synthetically defined and highly reproducible, it offers consistent performance across different assay conditions. Compared with complex protein substrates, short synthetic peptides like Erktide simplify experimental systems and reduce variability. This makes them particularly useful for studying kinase activity in controlled biochemical assays. Role of ERK2 in Cellular Signaling ERK2 operates within the Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK signaling cascade, a core MAPK pathway that converts extracellular signals into intracellular responses. Activation of this pathway typically begins when growth factors bind to receptor tyrosine kinases at the cell surface. These receptors trigger a signaling cascade that ultimately activates ERK1/2 kinases through phosphorylation. Once activated, ERK2 phosphorylates a wide range of downstream substrates located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. These targets include transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, and other signaling regulators. Through these phosphorylation events, ERK2 controls cellular decisions related to proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses. Because ERK signaling integrates multiple upstream stimuli, it acts as a central regulatory node in cellular signaling networks. Applications in Kinase Activity Assays Erktide is widely used in kinase activity assays designed to measure ERK2 catalytic function. In these assays, the peptide is incubated with active ERK2 in the presence of ATP. Phosphorylation of the peptide substrate can then be detected through various analytical methods, providing a quantitative measure of enzyme activity. These assays are valuable for monitoring ERK pathway activation in biochemical experiments and for studying how different regulatory factors influence kinase function. Because the peptide substrate produces consistent phosphorylation signals, it allows researchers to compare enzyme activity across different experimental conditions. Erktide-based assays are commonly used in both purified enzyme systems and cell-derived kinase preparations, making them adaptable to multiple experimental designs. Utility in Inhibitor Screening and Drug Discovery The ERK/MAPK pathway is frequently targeted in drug discovery programs, particularly in cancer research where abnormal MAPK signaling contributes to tumor progression. Synthetic peptide substrates such as Erktide provide a convenient platform for evaluating compounds that modulate ERK activity. In inhibitor screening assays, ERK2 is incubated with Erktide in the presence of candidate compounds. Molecules that block ERK activity reduce the phosphorylation of the peptide substrate, allowing researchers to measure inhibitor potency and identify promising therapeutic leads. Because peptide-based assays can be adapted to high-throughput screening formats, Erktide is commonly incorporated into automated workflows used to evaluate large compound libraries. Supporting Research in Signal Transduction and Cancer Biology Beyond drug discovery, Erktide supports a wide range of studies focused on cell signaling and molecular regulation. By providing a reliable substrate for ERK2 phosphorylation, the peptide allows researchers to investigate the mechanisms controlling MAPK pathway activation and signal propagation. This capability is particularly important in cancer biology, where abnormal ERK signaling contributes to uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Measuring ERK2 activity with defined peptide substrates helps researchers understand how signaling pathways become dysregulated and how targeted therapies can restore normal cellular control. Conclusion Erktide is a well-established synthetic peptide substrate specifically designed for ERK2 kinase activity assays. Its efficient phosphorylation and reproducible performance make it a valuable tool for measuring ERK signaling in biochemical and cellular studies. Widely used in enzymatic assays, inhibitor screening workflows, and mechanistic investigations, Erktide supports research in signal transduction, cancer biology, and drug discovery targeting MAPK signaling pathways. By enabling precise evaluation of ERK2 activity, the peptide contributes to a deeper understanding of cellular signaling networks and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.