The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) are involved in hepatocyte-mediated phenotypic switching in prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Background: Epithelial mesenchymal phenotypic switching enables cancers to seed and survive in metastatic sites. Results: Both p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases need to be inhibited to allow for an epithelial reversion but activated to provide survival advantage in the face of chemotherapy. Conclusion: Distinct p38/ERK signaling outcomes are involved in hepatocytes-mediated MErT and tumor cells survival. Significance: Provides insights in understanding approaches to p38δ or ERK1/2 activity regulation for cancer therapy. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.