Role of p38 MAP kinase in cancer stem cells and metastasis

Oncogene. 2022 Jun;41(23):3177-3185. doi: 10.1038/s41388-022-02329-3. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

Abstract

Therapeutic resistance and metastatic progression are responsible for the majority of cancer mortalities. In particular, the development of resistance is a significant barrier to the efficacy of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) underlie treatment resistance and metastasis. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is downstream of several CSC-specific signaling pathways, and it plays an important role in CSC development and maintenance and contributes to metastasis and chemoresistance. Therefore, the development of therapeutic approaches targeting p38 can sensitize tumors to chemotherapy and prevent metastatic progression.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Signal Transduction
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases