JNK, p38, ERK, and SGK1 Inhibitors in Cancer

Jonas Cicenas1,2,3, Egle Zalyte4, Arnas Rimkus5

  • 1Department for Microbiology, Immunbiology und Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna AT-1030, Austria. j.cicenas@mapkinases.eu.

Cancers
|December 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases regulate vital cellular functions and are implicated in diseases like cancer. This review highlights key MAP kinase inhibitors and their application in cancer research.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are crucial signaling proteins regulating cellular responses to growth factors and stress.
  • The MAP kinase family includes ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and ERK5, controlling apoptosis, gene expression, mitosis, differentiation, and immune responses.

Discussion:

  • Dysregulation of MAP kinases is linked to human diseases, including cancer, inflammation, immune disorders, and neurodegeneration.
  • Targeting MAP kinases therapeutically is a significant focus in drug discovery.

Key Insights:

  • Small-molecule inhibitors targeting MAP kinases are actively being developed.
  • These inhibitors hold promise for treating various cancers.

Outlook:

  • Further research into MAP kinase inhibitors is essential for advancing cancer therapies.
  • Understanding these pathways can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for complex diseases.

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