Inhibition of MEK5 by BIX02188 induces apoptosis in cells expressing the oncogenic mutant FLT3-ITD

► In this study we have demonstrated that FLT3 activation leads to activation of ERK5. ► We have demonstrated that ERK5 is involved in activation of AKT downstream of FLT3. ► BIX02188 blocks activation of ERK5 and induces apoptosis in FLT3 Ba/F3 cells. ► BIX02188 induce apoptosis in the two leukemic cell lines MV4-11 and MOLM-13.