p38 MAPK is involved in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells.
Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of tumour cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in that effect have not been completely elucidated. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells. Results show that stimulation of the CB2 receptor leads to p38 MAPK activation and that inhibition of this kinase attenuates CB2 receptor-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. These findings support a role for p38 MAPK in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells.
Herrera
Blanca
B
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, c/José Antonio Novais s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Carracedo
Arkaitz
A
Diez-Zaera
María
M
Guzmán
Manuel
M
Velasco
Guillermo
G
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D019169:Jurkat Cells; D007938:Leukemia / Q000378:metabolism*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000378:metabolism; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2; D013759:Dronabinol; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D020169:Caspases