Year: 2020
Type: review
Abstract: The p38 MAPK pathway is well known for its role in transducing stress signals from the environment. Many key players and regulatory mechanisms of this signaling cascade have been described to some extent. Nevertheless, p38 participates in a broad range of cellular activities, for many of which detailed molecular pictures are still lacking. Originally described as a tumor-suppressor kinase for its inhibitory role in RAS-dependent transformation, p38 can also function as a tumor promoter, as demonstrated by extensive experimental data. This finding has prompted the development of specific inhibitors that have been used in clinical trials to treat several human malignancies, although without much success to date. However, elucidating critical aspects of p38 biology, such as isoform-specific functions or its apparent dual nature during tumorigenesis, might open up new possibilities for therapy with unexpected potential. In this review, we provide an extensive description of the main biological functions of p38 and focus on recent studies that have addressed its role in cancer. Furthermore, we provide an updated overview of therapeutic strategies targeting p38 in cancer and promising alternatives currently being explored.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061913
Authors: Adrián Martínez-Limón, Manel Joaquin, María Caballero, Francesc Posas, Eulàlia de Nadal
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,112
Awards: G1743027240, G7920362687, G8866463385
OpenAlex ID: W3010908253