AP-1 is a collection of dimeric sequence specific, DNA binding, transcriptional activators composed of Jun and Fos subunits. The composition, the level and the activity of AP-1 complexes are regulated in response to extracellular stimuli. An important role in this regulation is played by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The specific roles of three MAPKs, namely ERK, JNK and FRK, in modulation of both the level and activity of AP-1, are discussed.