MAPKKs, or Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases, are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways. They activate MAPKs (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) by adding phosphate groups, which helps transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus. This process is essential for various cellular functions, including growth, differentiation, and response to stress. These kinases are part of a larger signaling cascade known as the MAPK pathway, which includes several components like MAPK, MAPKKK (MAPK Kinase Kinase), and ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase). Dysregulation of MAPKKs can lead to various diseases, including cancer, making them important targets for therapeutic research.