Q99683

ASK1 also known as MEKK5, MAP3K5 is a member of the MAP kinase kinase kinase subfamily. ASK1 plays a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways, particularly in the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades, which are essential for mediating cellular responses to various extracellular stimuli, including stress and growth factors. ASK1 is primarily located in the cytoplasm, where ASK1 acts as a key regulator of apoptosis and inflammation by activating downstream kinases such as MEK-4 and MEK-3/MEK-6. This localization allows ASK1 to respond rapidly to cellular stress signals, thereby influencing cell survival and death decisions. ASK1′s ability to modulate these pathways underscores ASK1′s importance in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.