The review discusses the roles of MAPK ( Mitogen-activated protein kinase ) families in regulating cell proliferation in mammalian cells. Three major MAPK families—ERK, JNK/SAPK, and p38 MAPK—are characterized and their functions and interactions with other signaling pathways are explored. The ERK pathway, involving Raf-MEK-ERK, is well-studied and plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and proliferation. JNK is involved in multiple physiological processes, including apoptosis and differentiation, and can be activated by various stimuli. The p38 pathway is activated by cellular stress and is involved in apoptosis, differentiation, and stress responses. The review also highlights the cross-talk between MAPK pathways and other signaling networks, such as cAMP, PKC, TGF-β, PI3K, and JAK/STAT, which further complex the regulation of cell proliferation. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these intricate mechanisms for therapeutic interventions in diseases like cancer.The review discusses the roles of MAPK ( Mitogen-activated protein kinase ) families in regulating cell proliferation in mammalian cells. Three major MAPK families—ERK, JNK/SAPK, and p38 MAPK—are characterized and their functions and interactions with other signaling pathways are explored. The ERK pathway, involving Raf-MEK-ERK, is well-studied and plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and proliferation. JNK is involved in multiple physiological processes, including apoptosis and differentiation, and can be activated by various stimuli. The p38 pathway is activated by cellular stress and is involved in apoptosis, differentiation, and stress responses. The review also highlights the cross-talk between MAPK pathways and other signaling networks, such as cAMP, PKC, TGF-β, PI3K, and JAK/STAT, which further complex the regulation of cell proliferation. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these intricate mechanisms for therapeutic interventions in diseases like cancer.