The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the dual specificity protein phosphatase subfamily. These phosphatases inactivate their target kinases by dephosphorylating both the phosphoserine/threonine and phosphotyrosine residues. They negatively regulate members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase superfamily (MAPK/ERK, SAPK/JNK, p38), which are associated with cellular proliferation and differentiation. Different members of the family of dual specificity phosphatases show distinct substrate specificities for various MAP kinases, different tissue distribution and subcellular localization, and different modes of inducibility of their expression by extracellular stimuli. This gene product inactivates ERK1, is expressed in a variety of tissues with the highest levels in pancreas and brain, and is localized in the nucleus. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Alternative Names
candidate plasticity-related gene 21 dual specificity protein phosphatase hVH3 MAP-kinase phosphatase (cpg21) MAP-kinase phosphatase CPG21 serine/threonine specific protein phosphatase VH1-like phosphatase 3