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 ERK2 , is expressed in a variety of tissues with the highest levels in heart and pancreas , and unlike most other members of this family , is localized in the cytoplasm. Mutations in t
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