MAPKAPK3 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Activated Protein Kinase 3), also known as 3PK or MAPKAP-K3. is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the MAPK signaling cascade. It is primarily activated by p38 MAPK and ERK through phosphorylation at specific residues, enabling its role in cellular responses to stress, cytokines, and growth factors. Structurally, MAPKAPK3 contains a conserved kinase domain and a C-terminal regulatory region that mediates interactions with upstream kinases. Functionally, it regulates diverse processes, including mRNA stability, cytoskeletal reorganization, and inflammatory responses by phosphorylating downstream targets such as HSP27. Cdc25. and transcription factors.
Antibodies targeting MAPKAPK3 are critical tools for studying its expression, activation, and localization in various biological contexts. These antibodies are commonly validated in applications like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to assess protein levels in cell lines, tissues, or disease models. Researchers utilize MAPKAPK3 antibodies to explore its involvement in pathologies such as cancer (e.g., tumor progression and metastasis), autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Specificity is ensured through knockout controls or peptide blocking assays, distinguishing it from homologous kinases like MAPKAPK2. Commercial MAPKAPK3 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, with epitopes spanning conserved regions of the human protein, often cross-reactive with rodent orthologs. Recent studies highlight its role in modulating immune cell signaling and stress adaptation, underscoring its therapeutic potential.