p38 beta and Cancer: The Beginning of the Road

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is implicated in cancer biology and has been widely studied over the past two decades as a potential therapeutic target. Most of the biological and pathological implications of p38MAPK signaling are often associated with p38 alpha (MAPK14). Recently, several members of the p38 family, including p38 gamma and p38 delta, have been shown to play a crucial role in several pathologies including cancer. However, the specific role of p38 beta (MAPK11) in cancer is still elusive, and further investigation is needed. Here, we summarize what is currently known about the role of p38 beta in different types of tumors and its putative implication in cancer therapy. All evidence suggests that p38 beta might be a key player in cancer development, and could be an important therapeutic target in several pathologies, including cancer.