The gene mom-4 is needed to activate the p38 MAPK pathway in worm immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

C. elegans MOM-4 is required for resistance to P. aeruginosa infection.

• The p38 MAPK signaling pathway is essential for C. elegans’ defense against bacterial infection.
• Specific upstream MAP2Ks and MAP3Ks play distinct roles in activating the p38 MAPK pathway.
• MOM-4, a homolog of mammalian TAK1, is necessary for C. elegans to resist P. aeruginosa.
• MKK-4 is also required for resistance, but does not regulate the pathway through DLK-1.
• Different upstream signaling molecules contribute to the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in response to infection.

Simplified