Stress activated protein kinase pathway (SAPK/JNK) (SAPK/JNK)

The stress-activated protein kinase pathway, also known as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway or SAPK/JNK, is a major signaling cascade within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It is primarily activated in response to various cellular stresses and inflammatory cytokines. The core of this pathway consists of JNK proteins, and activation occurs through a hierarchical phosphorylation cascade involving MAP4Ks/MAP3Ks and MAP2Ks (MKK4/7). Once activated, SAPK/JNK regulates transcription factors such as c-Jun, orchestrating diverse cellular responses like proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility, metabolism, and DNA repair. Dysregulation of the pathway has been implicated in numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, chronic inflammation, and cancer, making it an attractive therapeutic target.

Other names

JNK pathwayc-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway

Pharmacological inhibition of JNK