Generally, we know that ERK signaling is responsible for controlling cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, I found this signal important for cytokine expression in different cell types. Therefore, I stimulated the human neutrophil and HUVEC with complement factor for different time points like 0, 10, 30, 60 min to see ERK activation. After western blot analysis I found that 0 and 10 min showed activation and after that down regulated; no p-ERK found in neutrophil. Somehow, I could not see any activation in HUVEC. I did the experiment aiming to elucidate a cytokine expression through this pathway.
Can anyone help me to say possible reasons of down-regulation of p-ERK soon after activation?
Thank you!
Regards