Knocking out p38α+p38β+p38γ is required to abort the myogenic program in C2C12 myoblasts and to impose uncontrolled proliferation.

ABSTRACT: The p38 MAPKs' family includes four isoforms, of which only p38α has been considered essential for numerous important processes including mice embryogenesis. It is also considered essential for myoblast to myotube differentiation, as exposure of myoblasts to p38α/β inhibitors or to siRNA that targets p38α suppresses the process. The functions of p38β and p38γ in myoblast differentiation are not clear. We knocked out p38α in C2C12 myoblasts, assuming that the resulting C2p38α^-/- cells would not differentiate. They did, however, form mature fibers. We found elevated levels and activation of the p38 activator MKK6 in the C2p38α^-/- cells, leading to activation of p38β and p38γ, which are not active in differentiating parental C2C12 cells. Thus, p38α is an inhibitor of p38

SUBMITTER: Mooshayef N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925101 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature