ERK1/2: An Integrator of Signals That Alters Cardiac Homeostasis and Growth

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Understanding how cardiac cells respond to external stimuli is essential for developing interventions that mitigate pathologies of the heart. Therefore, in this review, we summarize critical knowledge related to a key molecular pathway that mediates cellular responses. ABSTRACT: Integration of cellular responses to extracellular cues is essential for cell survival and adaptation to stress. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 serve an evolutionarily conserved role for intracellular signal transduction that proved critical for cardiomyocyte homeostasis and cardiac stress responses. Considering the importance of ERK1/2 in the heart, understanding how these kinases operate in both normal and disease states is critical. Here, we review the complexity of upstream and downstream signals that govern ERK1/2-dependent regulation of cardiac structure and function. Particular emphasis is given to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as an outcome of ERK1/2 activation regulation in the heart.