Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 singaling pathway and penile erection
XU Chen-xiang
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.
Keywords：extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2peniserection
Publication Date：2010-04-02
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)