Decision Letter: Intercellular Propagation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activation Revealed by In Vivo Imaging of Mouse Skin
December 2014
Studysummary This study found that bursts of ERK activation in the epidermis of mice were linked to cell division, supporting synchronized cell proliferation and transient ERK activity in living tissues.
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The study investigated the propagation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in mouse skin, revealing two types of propagation: SPREAD, a sporadic burst of ERK activation, and a more sustained wave-like response to wounding. The research demonstrated that both types of ERK activity depend on metalloprotease activity and MEK activation. The wound-response waves were particularly significant due to their potential physiological importance. The study faced challenges in correlating SPREAD frequency with factors like age or sex and in establishing a clear relationship between SPREADs and cell cycle progression. The authors acknowledged limitations in their data and suggested that further research could clarify these mechanisms.
