To die or not to die:Regulatory feedback phosphorylation circuits determine receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) function

Complex posttranslational modifications determine the effects of receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) on cell survival and death. Studies from us and others have revealed a p38MAPK/MK2-dependent checkpoint in RIPK1 signaling. MAPKAP kinase 2 (MK2) phosphorylates RIPK1 to suppress RIPK1-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis in response to diverse stimuli relevant to inflammation, infection, genotoxic stress and chemotherapy.