SRE Reporter Kit
MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Catalog #: 60511

Background
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.

Description
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. The non-inducible luciferase
vector contains the firefly luciferase gene under the control of a minimal promoter,
without any additional response elements. The negative control is critical for determining
pathway-specific effects and the background luciferase activity.

Applications
• Monitor MAPK/ERK signaling pathway activity and SRF-mediated activity.
• Screen for activators or inhibitors of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
• Study effects of RNAi or gene overexpression on the activity of the MAPK/ERK pathway.

Components

Note: These vectors are designed for transient transfection. They are NOT SUITABLE
for transformation and amplification in bacteria.

 
References:
1. Wong, K.K. (2009) Recent developments in anti-cancer agents targeting the
Ras/Raf/ MEK/ERK pathway. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov. 4(1):28-35.
2. Treisman, R. (1992) The serum response element. Trends Biochem Sci. 17(10):
423-426.