p38 MAP kinase enhances EGF-induced apoptosis in A431 carcinoma cells by promoting tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1

► We used two kinase inhibitors to study a role of p38 MAPK in EGF-induced apoptosis. ► p38 MAPK enhances integral growth-inhibiting as well as pro-apoptotic effects of EGF. ► p38 MAPK does not increase EGF-driven STAT1 accumulation or serine phosphorylation. ► p38 MAPK increases EGF-driven tyrosine phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic STAT1. ► Targeting EGF-induced apoptotic pathway may be of use for cancer therapy.