Mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathways (MAPK/NF-κB)

The MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways are fundamental intracellular communication networks that coordinate cellular responses to external stimuli such as growth factors, cytokines, and environmental stress (Source: NIH/NCBI). The MAPK pathway consists of several distinct cascades, most notably the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, which regulates cell growth and survival, and the p38 and JNK pathways, which respond to stress and inflammation (Source: Pearson et al., 2001). The NF-κB pathway is a master regulator of the immune system, controlling the expression of genes involved in inflammation, cell proliferation, and anti-apoptotic signals (Source: Hayden & Ghosh, 2008). These two pathways frequently exhibit crosstalk, where components of one pathway can modulate the activity of the other, often leading to synergistic effects in disease states like cancer and chronic inflammation (Source: Oeckinghaus et al., 2011). Therapeutic intervention typically involves small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies targeting specific nodes within these pathways, such as MEK or TNF-alpha, to restore normal cellular homeostasis (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). However, due to their central role in normal physiology, targeting these pathways can lead to significant side effects, including immunosuppression and organ toxicity (Source: PubMed).

Other names

MAPK/NF-kappaB signalingMitogen-activated protein kinase/Nuclear factor-kappa B axisMAPK and NF-kappaB cascadesMitogen-activated protein kinase/Nuclear factor-kappa B signaling

Inhibition of kinase phosphorylation cascades (e.g., MEK or Raf) and prevention of NF-κB activation through IKK inhibition or proteasomal blockade.