p38 MAPK Pathway


Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are responsible for regulating a variety of cellular activities, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, in response to certain environmental stimuli. Three major MAPK pathways have been identified in mammals: MAPK/ERK, SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK.

The four p38 MAPK family members (p38, MAPK11, SAPK3 & SAPK4) are activated by external stress, inflammatory cytokines or UV radiation. Once activated, this pathway initiates production of the pro-apoptotic transcription factors PAX6, ELK1, CHOP, MEF2, ATF2, ETS1, MAX, p53, CREB, NFkB p65, ATF1 and ER81.