Anti-MAP Kinase, p38 (MAPK, Erk2, Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase, RK, CSBP, Mitogen Activated

Recent studies on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have uncovered the presence of at least three distinct MAP kinase pathways in mammalian cells (1). These MAP-kinase cascades are utilized by the cell for related yet distinct signaling pathways, thereby functioning as separate modules containing sequentially acting signaling elements. Each MAPK module consists minimally of three protein kinases: a MAPK kinase kinase (MEKK), a MAPK kinase (MEK or MKK), and a MAPK. The terminal MAPKs components of the three cascades are grouped as follows: 1. ERKs-extracellular signal regulated kinases. 2. JNKs/SAPKs-c-Jun amino terminal kinases/ stress-activated protein kinase. 3. p38/HOG-related to the yeast HOG1 protein and also referred to as CSBP1&2, RK, or Mpk2. As suggested by their name, the ERKs are regulated predominantly by extracellular ligands which act though transmembrane receptors with intrinsic or associated tyrosine kinase activity. On the other hand, the JNKs and p38 are activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and environmental stress such as osmotic shock, and UV light. One important feature shared by the ERK, JNK and p38 kinases is the presence of the regulatory motif Thr-X-Tyr. Each kinase group, however, possess a distinct amino acid in the central (X) position: ERKs have a glutamic acid (Glu), JNKs have a proline (Pro), and p38 has a glycine (Gly). Phosphorylation of both the conserved threonine and tryosine residues by a dual specificity MEK (MKK) is required for kinase activation. Once activated, the MAP kinases phosphorylate their substrates on serine and/or threonine residues with consequent effect on the substrate's function and/or activity. The p38 (CSBP, RK, or Mpk2) protein is the newest member of the MAPK family to be isolated (1-12). Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and Western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: ELISA: 0.1-1ug/ml, Western Blot: 1ug/ml , , Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and add glycerol (40-50%). Freeze at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.