Anti-p38 MAPK Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB - Q16539

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: p38 MAPK Function and Localization

• Core function: MAPK14 (p38 alpha) is a serine/threonine kinase essential for the MAPK signal transduction pathway. It is activated by extracellular stimuli including pro-inflammatory cytokines and physical stress, leading to phosphorylation of numerous substrates.
• Downstream signaling and substrates: p38 MAPK targets include downstream kinases like RPS6KA5/MSK1 and RPS6KA4/MSK2, which phosphorylate transcription factors (e.g., CREB1, ATF1) and histone H3. It also activates MAPKAPK2/MK2 regulating post-transcriptional gene expression, and MKNK1/2 regulating translation. Related references: PMID:9687510, PMID:9792677, PMID:11154262
• Isoforms: Alternative splicing produces isoforms MXI2 and EXIP. MXI2 activation is stimulated by mitogens and oxidative stress and poorly phosphorylates ELK1 and ATF2. EXIP may play a role in early apoptosis.
• Subcellular localization: Found in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Translocates to nucleus upon activation to phosphorylate transcription factors such as ATF1, ATF2, ELK1, and TP53/p53. Related references: PMID:10330143, PMID:9430721, PMID:9858528
• Regulation of chromatin and transcription: p38 MAPK modulates gene expression by regulating chromatin modifiers. Inflammatory genes like IL6, IL8, IL12B show p38-dependent histone H3 phosphorylation at Ser-10, enhancing NF-kappa-B binding.
• Tissue expression: Expressed in brain, heart, placenta, pancreas, skeletal muscle; lower in lung, liver, kidney.
• Role in stress and apoptosis: Phosphorylates NLRP1 downstream of MAP3K20/ZAK in response to UV-B and ribosome collisions, promoting NLRP1 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Also regulates TNF-induced apoptosis via CFLAR degradation and UV-induced G2 delay via CDC25B/C phosphorylation. Related references: PMID:35857590, PMID:11333986
• Microbial infection: Activated by phosphorylation by M.tuberculosis EsxA in T-cells, inhibiting IFN-gamma production; inhibited by SB203580. Related references: PMID:21586573

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen corresponds to a synthetic peptide from human p38 MAPK (aa 261-360). For experiments on human, mouse, or rat samples, consider validating cross-reactivity due to sequence conservation.
• Predicted molecular weight is 41 kDa (UniProt: 41293 Da). In WB, expect a band near this size, with possible additional bands from isoforms or post-translational modifications.
• For IHC-P, optimizing antigen retrieval and antibody dilution is recommended. Test in relevant tissue types (e.g., brain, heart, placenta) where p38 expression is high.
• ELISA may be used for quantitative detection; pair with appropriate standards and validate sensitivity in the target sample matrix.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio is your dedicated one-stop sourcing partner for IVD raw materials, offering validated antibody pairs, optimized polyclonal antibodies, and bulk ancillary reagents. For MAPK signaling and stress response research, we support your workflow with reliable anti-p38 MAPK antibodies and can assist in sourcing rare-target raw materials. Contact us to streamline your development from concept to clinic.