title: p38 MAPK: a potential target of chronic pain.
abstract: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK, p38) consist of 4 subunits: p38α, p38β, p38γ and p38δ. They play a well-recognized role in regulating intracellular signaling transduction in mammalian cells. p38 MAPK induces a variety of intracellular responses associated with neuropathic pain and other chronic pain. Thus, specific targeting p38 MAPK molecule and its signaling pathway represent potential therapeutic strategies for pain management. Based on the understanding of the crystal structure, biological functions and its signaling pathway of p38 MAPK, chemically synthesized p38 MAPK inhibitors have become available. Natural products and biological components may also serve as potential p38 MAPK inhibitors. To this end, we will evaluate their potential for chronic pain management.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, 908 Pan-Chinese Hall, Huaqiao University, Fujian, China 361021. mxwang@hqu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases