Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) are a family of different protein kinases, which are associated with inflammation and also with tumour development and progression. The MAPK family is composed by different subfamilies, being the most studied: ERK1/2, JNK, p38MAPK and ERK5. The interest on this highly conserved family of protein kinases has grown exponentially since they were discovered in the 80-90’s. The research in MAPK is a very dynamic area in which new perspectives are continuously opening to the scientific community. Importantly, many MAPK inhibitors have been developed during the last years and are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical assays for inflammatory diseases and cancer treatment. With this Research topic we would like to generate an opportunity in which MAPK researchers can make public their latest discoveries and also review and revisit different aspects of this research field.
Topics will include: (i) latest advances on MAPK structure, function and regulation; (ii) dynamics of MAPK signalling in space and time; (iii) computational modelling of the MAPK signalling networks; (iv) mechanisms underlying the malignant phenotype induced by MAPK; (v) MAPK function linking inflammation and cancer; (vi) MAPK in cancer immunotherapy/immunoediting; (vii) therapeutical opportunities associated with MAPK inhibition.