What is p38 MAPK?

The p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathway allows cells to interpret a wide range of external signals and respond appropriately by generating a plethora of different biological effects.

Is p38 MAPK a protein?

The p38 MAPKs are described as stress-activated protein kinases because they are primarily activated through extracellular stresses and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and consequently have been extensively studied in the field of inflammation (Yong, Koh, & Moon, 2009).

What does MAPK mean?

Mitogen-activated protein kinase
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) modules containing three sequentially activated protein kinases are key components of a series of vital signal transduction pathways that regulate processes such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death in eukaryotes from yeast to humans (Fig.

What does the p38 pathway result in?

The activation of the p38 pathway plays essential roles in the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6) 90; induction of enzymes such as COX-2 which controls connective tissue remodeling in pathological conditions 91; expression of intracellular enzymes such as iNOS, a regulator of oxidation 92.

What does p38 stand for?

The P-38, developed in 1942, is a small can opener that was issued in the canned field rations of the United States Armed Forces from World War II to the 1980s. Originally designed for and distributed in the K-ration, it was later included in the C-ration.

What happens when MAPK is activated?

MAPKKK activation leads to the phosphorylation and activation of a MAPKK, which then stimulates MAPK activity through dual phosphorylation on Thr and Tyr residues within a conserved Thr-X-Tyr motif located in the activation loop of the kinase domain subdomain VIII (Fig. ​ 1).