p38 MAP kinase is a member of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) family of proteins. It was first identified in a screen for drugs inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-mediated inflammatory responses. p38 MAPK is activated in response to a variety of stimuli including growth hormones, ligands for G-protein coupled receptors, inflammatory cytokines and stresses such as osmotic shock and heat shock. Because of its critical role in inflammation regulation and stress response, p38 MAPK is of great interest in both basic and therapeutic research and high-throughput study methods are in demand.

