Glia
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The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPKs) are a family of kinases that regulate a number of cellular functions including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. We have previously reported a role for p38 MAPK in the regulation of oligodendrocyte (OLG) differentiation and Schwann cell myelination. Here, we extend our previous findings by showing that a p38 substrate, mitogen-activated protein kinase activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) is a downstream element of the p38 signaling pathway responsible for effecting OLG differentiation. ⋯ In contrast, increases were observed in the mRNA levels of OLG transcriptional repressors, including transcription factor 4 (Tcf4), Notch1, and inhibitor of differentiation 2 (Id2). Furthermore, we found that the predominantly expressed isoform of p38 in OLGs, p38alpha, and MK2 can form coimmunoprecipitable complexes in OLPs and OLGs. Our results demonstrate that the p38-MK2 pathway is a component of the signaling cascade regulating OLG differentiation.