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p38(MAPK): stress responses from molecular mechanisms to therapeutics

Lydia R Coulthard1, Danielle E White, Dominic L Jones

  • 1NIHR - Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway regulates key cellular functions. This review explores its role in diseases and therapeutic development, highlighting challenges and future strategies for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are crucial regulators of diverse intracellular responses.
  • These pathways are implicated in fundamental cellular processes including inflammation, cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, development, differentiation, senescence, and tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory and effector components of the p38 MAPK pathway.
  • To examine the pathway's emerging roles in biological processes relevant to various pathologies.
  • To discuss the therapeutic exploitation and challenges of targeting the p38 MAPK pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on p38 MAPK.
  • Analysis of regulatory and effector components of the pathway.
  • Synthesis of information on pathological roles and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • The p38 MAPK pathway plays significant roles in multiple cellular functions and disease processes.
  • Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting p38 MAPK have been explored.
  • Targeting this pathway presents challenges due to its promiscuity and potential for off-target effects.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the p38 MAPK pathway's complex roles is essential for disease treatment.
  • Developing effective therapeutics requires careful consideration of pathway regulation and potential side effects.
  • Future research should focus on optimizing p38 MAPK-targeted therapies for specific disease contexts.

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