Anti-p38α MAP Kinase (Tyr-323), Phosphospecific Antibody

p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), also called RK, CSBP, and SAPK2a, is the mammalian orthologue of the yeast HOG kinase. This family of kinases participates in signaling cascades that control cellular responses to cytokines and stress. Four isoforms of p38 MAPK (α,β,γ,δ) have been identified. Similar to the SAPK/JNK pathway, p38 MAPK is activated by a variety of cellular stresses including osmotic shock, inflammatory cytokines, lipopolysaccharides, UV light, and growth factors. MKK3 and SEK activate p38 MAPK by dual phosphorylation at Thr-180/Tyr-182. Activated p38 MAPK has been shown to phosphorylate and activate MAPKAP kinase 2 and to phosphorylate the transcription factors ATF-2, Max, and MEF2. T cells possess an alternative pathway for p38 activation where stimulation of the antigen receptor (TCR) induces phosphorylation of p38 on Tyr-323. This site is required for TCR-mediated phosphorylation of Thr-180 and catalytic activity. Thus, Tyr-323 may also have important roles in regulating p38 MAP kinase pathways.