NCIt definition : Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (427 aa, 48 kDa) is encoded by the human MAPK8
gene. This protein plays a role in serine/threonine phosphorylation, apoptosis and
toll-like receptor signaling.;
NCIt note : Inhibited by dual specificity phosphatases, and phosphothreonine/tyrosine activated
by a Ras-dependent dual specificity MAP2K4/MAP2K7 cascade, MAPK8 mediates immediate-early
gene expression. MAPK8 binds scaffolding proteins MAPK8IP1/2/3. MAPK8/UV-induced apoptosis
appears related to cytochrome c-mediated cell death. MAPK8 activation by TNF-alpha
induces apoptosis. MAPK8 appears to be required for T-helper cell differentiation
into Th1 cells.;