p38β MAPK affords cytoprotection against oxidative stress-induced astrocyte apoptosis via induction of αB-crystallin and its anti-apoptotic function

► A C6 astroglioma cell line stably over-expressing p38β MAPK was generated. ► In these cells, H2O2-induced apoptosis and caspase 3 activity were markedly reduced. ► Expression of αB-crystallin, a small heat shock protein, was significantly increased. ► αB-crystallin knockdown via siRNA transfection suppressed the protective effect. ► p38β confer protection by inducing αB-crystallin, which inhibits caspase-3 activation.