What does "P38 MAPK" mean?

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P38 MAPK is a type of protein that plays an important role in how cells respond to stress and other signals. It helps control various processes in the cell, such as growth, survival, and inflammation.

In cancer, P38 MAPK can affect how cancer cells handle treatments like chemotherapy. Some cancer cells can become resistant to these treatments, allowing them to survive and grow even when faced with drugs designed to kill them.

Research shows that blocking P38 MAPK can make cancer cells more sensitive to certain types of chemotherapy, especially those that target microtubules, which are structures that help cells maintain their shape and divide properly.

By disrupting the P38 MAPK pathway, scientists may improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments and reduce side effects on normal cells, making it a potential target for new cancer therapies.