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. The diversity and specificity in cellular outcomes is achieved with an apparently simple linear architecture of the pathway, consisting of a core of three protein kinases acting sequentially. In the present review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying p38 MAPK functions, with special emphasis on the activation and regulation of the core kinases, the interplay with other signalling pathways and the nature of p38 MAPK substrates as a source of functional diversity. Finally, we discuss how genetic mouse models are facilitating the identification of physiological functions for p38 MAPKs, which may impinge on their eventual use as therapeutic targets.
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August 2010
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Review Article|
July 14 2010
Mechanisms and functions of p38 MAPK signalling
Ana Cuadrado;
Ana Cuadrado
1CNIO (Spanish National Cancer Center), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Angel R. Nebreda
Angel R. Nebreda
1
1CNIO (Spanish National Cancer Center), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
1To whom correspondence should be addressed at the present address IRB-Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain (email angel.nebreda@irbbarcelona.org).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
March 02 2010
Revision Received:
May 28 2010
Accepted:
June 02 2010
Online ISSN: 1470-8728
Print ISSN: 0264-6021
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society
2010
Biochem J (2010) 429 (3): 403–417.
Article history
Received:
March 02 2010
Revision Received:
May 28 2010
Accepted:
June 02 2010
Citation
Ana Cuadrado, Angel R. Nebreda; Mechanisms and functions of p38 MAPK signalling. Biochem J 1 August 2010; 429 (3): 403–417. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20100323
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