MAPKAPK5 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Activated Protein Kinase 5), also known as MK5 or PRAK, is a serine/threonine kinase downstream of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. It plays critical roles in regulating cellular responses to stress, inflammation, and cytokine signaling. MAPKAPK5 is involved in diverse processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune regulation. Its activity is modulated by phosphorylation, primarily through p38 MAPK, and it interacts with substrates such as HSP27 and TTP to influence mRNA stability and protein synthesis.
Antibodies targeting MAPKAPK5 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunoprecipitation (IP). Specificity is validated through knockout controls or siRNA knockdown to ensure recognition of the endogenous ~58 kDa protein. Research applications include investigating MAPKAPK5's role in cancer (e.g., tumor suppression or promotion depending on context), neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Recent studies also explore its interaction with viral proteins, highlighting its importance in host-pathogen responses. Reliable MAPKAPK5 antibodies enable insights into kinase dynamics, post-translational modifications, and pathway crosstalk, supporting drug discovery and mechanistic studies.