MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPKAPK3) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family, and functions as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase)-activated protein kinase. MAPKAPK3 was shown to be activated by growth inducers and stress stimulation of cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that ERK, p38 MAP kinase and Jun N-terminal kinase were all able to phosphorylate and activate this kinase, which suggested the role of this kinase as an integrative element of signaling in both mitogen and stress responses. MAPKAPK3 was reported to interact with, phosphorylate and repress the activity of E47, which is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor known to be involved in the regulation of tissue-specific gene expression and cell differentiation.