We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a P38 Pathway?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,471
References
Share

The P38 pathway is a cell signaling cascade that plays a role in gene expression, cell growth, and immunity. Signaling allows cells to regulate a variety of functions and processes in response to environmental and internal cues, coordinating the function of the body. This particular pathway is involved in responses to environmental stresses and can activate in response to the presence of cytokines and other proteins in the body. It is a target for research because it can play a role in the response to disease.

This process involves enzymes known as mitogen-activated protein kinases, which attach to proteins to change their structure and send signals to other proteins inside the cell. In response to specific environmental pressures, the P38 pathway can create a ripple effect as a series of signals move through a cell and produce one of four known kinases. P38 alpha is one of the most heavily studied.

It is possible that the P38 pathway may play a role in the development of autoimmune disease as well as asthma and allergies. The pathway is involved in the maturation of T-cells and other components of the immune system. Cell death can be regulated by processes along the P38 pathway, as can cell growth, as it may be active during key phases of the division and replication process of cells within the human body. Research to follow the development of specific kinases provides critical information about how they work and where they can be found in the body.

Studies on the P38 pathway have identified it as a potential drug target. Since it is involved in inflammatory responses, it is possible medications could block one of the steps in the cascade to prevent inflammation or limit its severity. This has particularly important implications for patients with autoimmune diseases who experience chronic inflammation because their bodies are attacking themselves. Blocking inflammation can keep patients more comfortable and prevent complications caused by chronic inflammation, like scarring and nerve damage.

Researchers with an interest in this particular cell signaling pathway typically work for academic institutions, government agencies, and private companies. They look at various stages of the P38 pathway as well as possibilities for interrupting or redirecting it through the use of carefully targeted medications. Drug therapies targeting this pathway may have potentially serious side effects for patients, another subject of concern in ongoing research measures to identify pharmaceutical compounds to fight inflammation and immune conditions.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-p38-pathway.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.