The transcription factor ELK1 is a family of member of ETS oncogene family and of the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily,which is located on chromosome Xp11.2 and stimulates

transcription. binds to purine-rich DNA sequences. Proteins of the TCF subfamily form a ternary complex by binding to the the serum response factor and the serum reponse element in the promoter of the c-fos proto-oncogene. The protein encoded by this gene is a nuclear target for the ras-raf-MAPK signaling cascade.

Elk1 is phosphorylated by MAP kinase pathways at a cluster of S/T motifs at its C terminus,It appears to be a direct target of activated MAP kinase. Biochemical studies indicate that Elk1 is a good substrate for MAP kinase, the kinetics of Elk1phosphorylation and activation correlate with MAP kinase activity, and interfering mutants of MAP kinase block Elk1 activation in vivo. More recent studies have shown that Elk1 is also a target of the Stress Activated Kinase SAPK/JNK. Phosphorylation of Elk1 has also been implicated in synaptic plasticity in the adult hippocampus.