Abstract 2125 p38 MAPK and Iron Toxicity

Oxidative stress leads to cell damage and death and has been linked to human aging and aging-related diseases. p38 MAPK is a protein that regulates oxidative stress across organisms. Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, we have found that p38 MAPK (p38Kb) also regulates lifespan and aging. Over-expression of p38Kb extends lifespan and improves early locomotor function. In addition, p38Kb over-expression protects against exposure to the oxidizing agent paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease in humans.