Distinct regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activities is coupled with enhanced cardiac differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

► Cardiomyogenesis of hESC is enhanced at distinct SB203580 concentrations. ► There is a pronounced drop in major MAPKs phosphorylation upon EB induction. ► SB203580 addition further inhibits p38 MAPK essential for cardiomyogenesis. ► SB203580 also activate JNKs supporting cardiac differentiation. ► Higher SB203580 levels reduce ERK phosphorylation and suppress cardiomyogenesis.