MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) are serine-threonine kinases that regulate a wide variety of cellular functions. Six groups of MAPK have so far been identified: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1, ERK2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), p38 isoforms (MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPK13, MAPK14), ERK5 (MAPK7), ERK3 (MAPK6), ERK4 (MAPK4) and ERK7/8 (MAPK15). ERK 1 and ERK 2 transduce signals from growth factors and are key factors in regulating differentiation and proliferation in many cell types. Upon activation by MEK, ERK1 and 2 translocate to the nucleus where they phosphorylate transcription factors such as Elk1 and downstream kinases such as p90 RSK. JNK 1, 2 and 3 (sometimes known as SAPKs or stress-activated kinases) and the p38 MAPKs (alpha-, beta-, delta and gamma- isoforms) are activated by UV irradiation, inflammatory cytokines and hyperosmolarity. The p38 MAPKs are also activated by lipopolysaccharide. Dysregulation of MAPK kinase pathways has been associated with various diseases including cancer (ERK), neurodegeneration (JNK) and inflammation (p38).

The antibody is stable for at least 1 year from the date of receipt when stored at -20°C to -70°C. Reconstituted antibody can also be aliquotted and stored at 4°C for 1 month or at -20°C to -70°C in a manual defrost freezer for many months without detectable loss activity. Please avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

This antibody binds to its immunogen, and did not show any cross reactivity with unrelated antigens in ELISA. Cross reactivity with mouse and rat P38(p180/182)(Phosph) has not yet been tested.