SRE Reporter Kit (MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway )

The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is a major participant in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It can be activated by various extracellular stimuli including mitogens, growth factors, and cytokines. Upon stimulation, MEK1/2 phosphorylate and activate ERK1/2. The activated ERK translocates to the nucleus where it phosphorylates and activates transcription factors. The TCFs (Ternary Complex Factors), including Elk1, are among the best-characterized transcription factor substrates of ERK. When phosphorylated by ERK, Elk1 forms a complex with Serum Response Factor (SRF) and binds to Serum Response Element (SRE), resulting in the expression of numerous mitogen-inducible genes. The SRE Reporter Kit is designed for monitoring the activity of the ERK signaling pathway and the transcriptional activity of SRF in cultured cells. The kit contains a transfection-ready SRE luciferase reporter vector, which is an ERK pathway-responsive reporter. This reporter contains the firefly luciferase gene under the control of multimerized SRE responsive elements located upstream of a minimal promoter. The SRE reporter is premixed with a constitutively-expressing Renilla luciferase vector that serves as an internal control for transfection efficiency. The kit also includes a non-inducible firefly luciferase vector premixed with constitutively expressing Renilla luciferase vector as a negative control.