An ERK-Dependent Feedback Mechanism Prevents Hematopoietic Stem Cell Exhaustion (Cell Stem Cell)

Baccarini and colleagues identify a cell-intrinsic feedback mechanism limiting the strength of MEK/ERK and AKT/mTORC1 signals during the activation of hematopoietic stem cells. The mechanism hinges on the negative feedback phosphorylation of MEK1 by activated ERK and is required to prevent HSC exhaustion.