P38 Signaling Pathway

p38 Mitogen activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) are a highly evolutionary conserved group of protein kinases, which are central for cell adaptation to environmental changes as well as for immune response, inflammation, tissue regeneration, and tumour formation. p38α is the best characterized, whereas the functions of p38β, p38γ and p38δ have been less studied. The four p38MAPKs are ubiquitously expressed, although the level of expression of each isoform varies in particular tissues. Moreover, it is becoming clear that apart from common functions as stress kinases, they perform specific roles in a cell- and tissue-dependent manner, unveiling important functions in physiology and pathology.

In this issue we provide an updated view of the p38 signalling pathway, including new regulatory mechanisms, substrates and implication in different diseases. This issue will be of interest to basic researchers working in cell signalling and immunology, to chemical biologists interested in drug discovery and also to clinicians interested in cell signalling pathways