Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying lethality of p38-mutant mice. p38-deficient mice showed defects in lung differentiation and respiratory distress syndrome. p38 was found to interact with FUSE-binding protein (FBP), a transcriptional activator of c-myc.
Moreover, reduced Poldip2-suppressed LP-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 induction, leukocyte recruitment, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production <i>in vitro</i> These data indicate that Poldip2 is an important regulator of the debilitating consequences of ARDS, potentially through the regulation of mitochondrial ROS-induced inflammatory signaling.