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Abstract:
Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are members of the MAPK family and participate in the
transduction of stimuli in cellular responses. Their long-term actions are accomplished by promoting the expression of
specific genes whereas faster responses are achieved by direct phosphorylation of downstream effectors located
throughout the cell. In this study we determined that hERK1 translocates to the mitochondria of HeLa cells upon a
proliferative stimulus. In the mitochondrial environment, hERK1 physically associates with (i) at least 5 mitochondrial
proteins with functions related to transport (i.e. VDAC1), signalling, and metabolism; (ii) histones H2A and H4; and (iii) other
cytosolic proteins. This work indicates for the first time the presence of diverse ERK-complexes in mitochondria and thus
provides a new perspective for assessing the functions of ERK1 in the regulation of cellular signalling and trafficking in HeLa
cells.
