Functions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase alpha and beta in human pancreatic cancer cells

Background and aims: The p38 family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPKs) includes p38α (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12) and p38δ (MAPK13). Among these four isoforms, p38α and p38β are widely expressed and are involved in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell apoptosis. However, little is known about the role of the p38 MAPKs in human cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate possible functions of p38α and p38β in human pancreatic cancer. Methods: Expression of p38α and p38β, p38γ and p38δ were determined by immunoblot in 7 cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines…