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. 2017 Dec 4;8(67):112152–112165. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.22899

Figure 5. The function of MEF2 proteins in signaling pathways.

Figure 5

MEF2 proteins act as effectors of many signaling pathways. In this figure, we show some representative pathways. 1) Wnt protein binds frizzled receptors to activate its downstream reactions. A stablized β-catenin is then translocated into the nucleus where it binds with MEF2 transcription factors. MEF2A can directly regulate microRNAs (miR-410 and miR-433) and thus inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway. 2) MAPK signaling (ERK and p38 MAPK) can be stimulated by external factors. The ERK signaling increases expression of its direct downstream targets, MEF2B, C and D. MEF2A and MEF2C can be activated by p38 MAPK. miR-140 is a suppressor of p38 MAPK signaling and its overexpression can decrease MEF2C expression in a p38MAPK-dependent pathway. 3) The expression of MEF2C can be enhanced by the activation of CaMK in Ca2+ signaling pathway.