Mapk8, also known as Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, is a key component in the JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) signaling pathway. This pathway is involved in regulating various cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune responses. It plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions and is also implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases [2,3,4,5,6].

In the context of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), Mapk8 has been identified as a key biomarker. By analyzing gene expression profiles and constructing protein-protein interaction networks, Mapk8 was found among six hub genes in IDD. qPCR validation in a rat IDD model confirmed its potential as a biomarker and a possible therapeutic target for IDD [1]. In chicken male germ cell differentiation, knockdown/overexpression of Mapk8 affected the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into spermatogonial stem cells by inhibiting/activating the JNK signal [3]. In glioblastoma cells, Mapk8 promoted resistance to temozolomide, accelerated cell proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis via activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Inhibition of Mapk8 restrained colony formation and induced apoptosis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells [6].

In conclusion, Mapk8 is a vital gene involved in multiple biological processes. Its role in diseases like IDD, male germ cell differentiation, and glioblastoma highlights its significance. Research on Mapk8, especially through model-based studies, provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

References:

1. Zhang, Yuxin, Zhang, Jiahui, Sun, Zhongyi, Xi, Xiaobing, Tian, Jiwei. 2023. MAPK8 and CAPN1 as potential biomarkers of intervertebral disc degeneration overlapping immune infiltration, autophagy, and ceRNA. In Frontiers in immunology, 14, 1188774. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188774. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37325630/

2. Wang, Shuai, Deng, Zhantao, Ma, Yuanchen, Lyu, Feng-Juan, Zheng, Qiujian. 2020. The Role of Autophagy and Mitophagy in Bone Metabolic Disorders. In International journal of biological sciences, 16, 2675-2691. doi:10.7150/ijbs.46627. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32792864/

3. Wang, Yingjie, Bi, Yulin, Zuo, Qisheng, Zhang, Ya-Ni, Li, Bichun. 2017. MAPK8 regulates chicken male germ cell differentiation through JNK signaling pathway. In Journal of cellular biochemistry, 119, 1548-1557. doi:10.1002/jcb.26314. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28815778/

4. Li, Jian, Tian, Mouli, Hua, Tong, Zhang, Xiaoping, Yuan, Hongbin. 2021. Combination of autophagy and NFE2L2/NRF2 activation as a treatment approach for neuropathic pain. In Autophagy, 17, 4062-4082. doi:10.1080/15548627.2021.1900498. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33834930/

5. Aihaiti, Yirixiati, Song Cai, Yong, Tuerhong, Xiadiye, Xu, Ke, Xu, Peng. 2021. Therapeutic Effects of Naringin in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. In Frontiers in pharmacology, 12, 672054. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.672054. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34054546/

6. Xu, Peng, Zhang, Guofeng, Hou, Shuangxing, Sha, Long-Gui. 2018. MAPK8 mediates resistance to temozolomide and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells through MAPK signaling pathway. In Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 106, 1419-1427. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.084. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30119215/