MAPK4
Chr 18mitogen-activated protein kinase 4
Also known as: ERK-4, ERK4, PRKM4, p63-MAPK, p63MAPK
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 is an atypical MAP kinase that phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein 2 and forms regulatory complexes with MAPKAPK5, potentially promoting cell cycle entry. Mutations cause autosomal recessive intellectual disability with microcephaly, seizures, and spasticity. This gene is highly constrained against loss-of-function variants, suggesting intolerance to functional disruption.
Population Genetics & Constraint
gnomAD v4 — loss-of-function & missense intolerance
More LoF-intolerant than ~75% of genes
Mild missense constraint
This gene has evidence for multiple mechanisms of pathogenicity (gain-of-function and dominant-negative). Both the Badonyi & Marsh prediction and the broader genomic evidence point to gain-of-function as the predominant mechanism. Different variants in this gene may act through different mechanisms — interpret in context of the specific variant.
Note: In-silico variant effect predictors (SIFT, PolyPhen, REVEL, CADD) may underestimate pathogenicity of missense variants in genes with GOF or DN mechanisms. Consider functional evidence and clinical context.
Predictions from Badonyi M, Marsh JA. PLoS ONE. 2024;19(8):e0307312.
ClinVar Variant Classifications
143 submitted variants in ClinVar
Classification Summary
Curated Variants Distribution
Classified variants from ClinVar · 5 ACMG categories
| Classification | LoF | Missense + Inframe | Non-coding | Synonymous | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pathogenic | 0 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 40 |
Likely Pathogenic | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
VUS | 0 | 85 | 4 | 0 | 89 |
Likely Benign | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
Benign | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 86 | 47 | 2 | 135 |
LoF = frameshift, stop gained/lost, canonical splice · Counts from ClinVar esearch · Updated hourly
View in ClinVar →Protein Context — Lollipop Plot
MAPK4 · protein map & ClinVar variants
Showing all ClinVar variants across the protein. Search a specific variant to highlight its position.
External Resources
Links to major genomics databases and tools
Clinical Trials
Active and recruiting trials from ClinicalTrials.gov
No active trials found for this gene.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov →External Resources
Links to major genomics databases and tools