Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway and penile erection.
- Author:
Chen-Xiang XU
1
;
Rui JIANG
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China. xuchx0610@163.com
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Male;
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3;
metabolism;
Penile Erection;
physiology;
Penis;
metabolism;
physiology;
Signal Transduction;
raf Kinases;
metabolism
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2010;16(4):354-358
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Penile erection is regulated by the relaxation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs). It has been recognized that the Ras/MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway is closely related to the functions of CCSMCs and endothelial cells, and it is involved in the regulation of penile erection, mainly via phosphorylation of NO synthase. ERK1/2 phosphorylates, inhibits eNOS activity, and thus reduces the relaxation of CCSMCs and penile erection. But the site of phosphorylation is not yet clear. In CCSMCs and endothelial cells, the ERK1/2 pathway interacts with other cascades and regulates the erectile function of the penis. This article presents an overview of the researches on the ERK1/2 signaling cascade, its regulatory role and its interaction with other signaling pathways in penile erection.
