MAP Kinase, p38 Control Cell Extracts (MAPK, Erk2, Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase, RK, CSBP,

P38 MAP kinase (MAPK), also called RK (3) or CSBP (2), is the mammalian homologue of the yeast HOG kinase and participates in a signaling cascade controlling cellular responses to cytokines and stress (1-4). Four isoforms of p38 MAP kinase, alpha, beta, gamma and delta, have been identified so far. Like the SAPK/JNK pathway, p38 MAP kinase is activated by a variety of cellular stresses including osmotic shock, inflammatory cytokines, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), UV light and growth factors (1-5). MKK3 and SEK activate p38 MAP kinase by phosphorylation at threonine 180 and tyrosine 182. Activated p38 MAP kinase has been shown to phosphorylate and activate MAPKAP kinase 2 (3) and to phosphorylate the transcription factors ATF-2 (5), Max (6) and MEF2 (5-8). Nonphosphorylated p38 MAP Kinase Control Cell. Western Blots: As controls, we recommend using 15ul of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated p38 MAP Kinase Control Cell Extracts. Boil for 2 minutes prior to use. , Nonphosphorylated p38 MAP Kinase Control Cell Extracts: , Total cell extracts from C-6 glioma cells prepared without anisomycin treatment serve as a negative control. Phosphorylated p38 MAP Kinase Control Cell Extracts: Total cell extracts from C-6 glioma cells prepared with anisomycin treatment serve as a positive control.