Growth Arrest And DNA Damage Inducible Protein Beta (GADD45b)

GADD45b is a member of a group of genes whose transcript levels are increased following stressful growth arrest conditions and treatment with DNA-damaging agents. The genes in this group respond to environmental stresses by mediating activation of the p38/JNK pathway. This activation is mediated via their proteins binding and activating MTK1/MEKK4 kinase, which is an upstream activator of both p38 and JNK MAPKs.

Gadd45b is required for activity-induced DNA demethylation of specific promoters and expression of corresponding genes necessary for adult neurogenesis, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor. Hence GADD45B is implicated in affecting synaptic plasticity.