Analysis of MAPK Signaling Pathway in Stroke

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family consists of three groups, namely, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. The MAPK signaling pathway regulates gene expression in eukaryotic cells and basic cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism, and apoptosis, and it has been considered as a therapeutic target for many diseases. Currently, there is increasing evidence that the MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the onset and development of stroke. However, the MAPK signaling pathway, with its complex upstream and downstream kinases, has not been fully elucidated in terms of its exact role in stroke pathogenesis. MAPK as an important regulator of stroke, is a potential target for stroke drug discovery.

Fig. 1. Different cell types involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. (Zheng et al., 2020)

Our Services

Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive services to help clients explore the mechanisms of MAPK involvement in stroke and discover MAPK signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for stroke.

Analysis of MAPK Pathway Activation in Experimental Models of Stroke

We provide proven in vitro and animal models of stroke to investigate the important role of MAPK in stroke pathology. We use a range of techniques to assess the activation status of the MAPK pathway in stroke models. By quantifying the phosphorylation levels of MAPK components such as ERK, p38, and JNK, we can determine the degree of pathway activation in response to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. We also offer knockout technology to study the specific function of the MAPK pathway in stroke.

Analysis of Inflammatory, Apoptosis, and Cell Death in the MAPK Pathway

We focus on the involvement of MAPK in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We can quantitatively assess the expression levels of these inflammatory markers to provide data on the inflammatory processes regulated by the MAPK pathway. We provide western blotting and immunofluorescence to evaluate MAPK-mediated proteins apoptosis and cell death in different cells (e.g., neurons and microglia) in the brain.

Development of Stroke Drugs Targeting MAPK Pathway

Our experts are committed to developing MAPK signaling pathways as targets for stroke prevention and therapy. Ace Therapeutics offers effective strategies to block MAPK activity in stroke.

• Targeting the ERK1/2 pathway
• Targeting the p38 pathway
• Targeting the JNK pathway

Ace Therapeutics provides reliable services to investigate the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathways in stroke. We work closely with clients to provide customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of each research project. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

1. Zheng, Y., et al. (2020). MAPK: a key player in the development and progression of stroke. CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-CNS & Neurological Disorders), 19(4), 248-256.