PD-98059

Inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK / MEK). Acts via binding to the inactivated form of MEK, preventing its phosphorylation by cRAF or MEK kinase (IC50=2-7M) [1,2]. Accelerates differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclast-like cells [3]. Mimics BMP4 in supporting self renewal of embryonic stem cells [4].

References:

1) Alessi et al. (1995), PD 098059 is a specific inhibitor of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase in vitro and in vivo;  J. Biol. Chem., 270 27489 

2) Dudley et al. (1995), A synthetic inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade;  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 92 7686 

3) Hotokezaka et al. (2002) U0126 and PD98059, specific inhibitors of MEK, accelerate differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclast-like cells; J. Biol. Chem., 277 47366

4) Xiaoxia et al. (2004) BMP4 supports self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101 6027