What Is CP-380736 and How Does It Work?

CP-380736 is a selective, ATP-competitive inhibitor of MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2, also known as MAPKAPK2). MK2 is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as a critical downstream effector of the p38 MAPK signaling cascade. Upon cellular stress or pro-inflammatory stimulation, p38 MAPK phosphorylates and activates MK2, which in turn phosphorylates substrates including HSP27 and regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 at the post-transcriptional level.

By occupying the ATP-binding pocket of MK2, CP-380736 blocks kinase catalytic activity, thereby attenuating downstream phosphorylation events and cytokine output without directly inhibiting p38 MAPK itself. This selectivity makes CP-380736 a valuable pharmacological tool for researchers wishing to isolate MK2-specific biology within the broader p38 signaling network.

Solubility, Formulation, and Handling Guidelines

CP-380736 is a small organic molecule. As with many kinase inhibitors of similar chemical class, it is generally soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to prepare concentrated stock solutions. Researchers should consult the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot for confirmed solubility data, as values can vary slightly between batches.

Recommended practice: Prepare stock solutions in DMSO at a concentration appropriate for subsequent dilution into aqueous assay buffers or cell culture media. Keep the final DMSO concentration in biological assays at or below 0.1% (v/v) to minimise solvent cytotoxicity. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; aliquot stock solutions upon first use. Water solubility may be limited; use of solubilising vehicles or co-solvents should be validated experimentally for each assay format.

Note: Specific solubility values (mg/mL or mM) are lot-dependent. Always refer to the product CoA provided by Aladdin Scientific (SKU C124695) for authoritative figures.

Storage Conditions and Stability

For long-term stability, CP-380736 should be stored at –20 °C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, the compound is expected to remain stable for an extended period when stored as a dry solid. Once dissolved in DMSO, aliquots should be stored at –20 °C and used promptly after thawing.

Researchers should always check the expiry date and storage instructions printed on the product label and CoA. If unusual color changes, precipitation, or loss of biological activity are observed, the compound should not be used and Aladdin Scientific customer service should be contacted for guidance.

Research Applications and Experimental Considerations

CP-380736 is used as a research tool compound in a range of in vitro and cell-based assay systems. Key application areas include:

• Inflammatory disease research: Studying the role of MK2 in regulating cytokine biosynthesis (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in macrophages, monocytes, and other immune cells stimulated with LPS or other pro-inflammatory agents.
• Stress-response biology: Investigating MK2-dependent phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and its impact on actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell survival.
• Pathway dissection: Used alongside p38 inhibitors (e.g., SB203580) to discriminate p38-dependent, MK2-independent effects from those specifically mediated through MK2.
• Cancer biology: Exploring MK2's role in DNA damage response, cell cycle checkpoint regulation, and tumor cell survival under genotoxic stress.

Researchers should validate CP-380736 concentrations in their specific cell or assay system, as effective concentrations may differ between cell types and experimental conditions. Appropriate vehicle controls (DMSO at matched concentration) are essential.

Ordering, Quality, and Technical Support

CP-380736 is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU C124695. Each lot is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting purity (typically assessed by HPLC), identity (confirmed by NMR and/or MS), and lot-specific storage recommendations.

For technical questions regarding experimental design, solubility optimisation, or assay troubleshooting, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team. For order-related enquiries including pricing, shipping, returns, and payment options, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact customer service directly.

Researchers requiring Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information for risk assessment and safe handling in compliance with local regulations should download the SDS from the product page or request it from customer service.