The protein encoded by this gene is a dual specificity protein kinase that belongs to the MAP kinase kinase family. This kinase is known to play a critical role in
mitogen growth factor signal transduction. It phosphorylates and thus activates
MAPK1/ERK2 and
MAPK3/ERK1. The activation of this kinase itself is dependent on the Ser/Thr phosphorylation by
MAP kinase kinase kinases. The inhibition or degradation of this kinase is found to be involved in the pathogenesis of Yersinia and anthrax. ==Interactions==