Yvonne Kuma

Papers

Total Citations

310

H-Index

About

Dr. Yvonne Kuma is a leading figure in cellular stress signaling and kinase pharmacology, best known for her pioneering work on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms. Her landmark 2005 study, "BIRB796 Inhibits All p38 MAPK Isoforms in Vitro and in Vivo," which has garnered over 310 citations, fundamentally reshaped the field by demonstrating that the clinical compound BIRB796—originally thought to target only p38α and p38β—also inhibits SAPK3/p38γ at higher concentrations. This discovery revealed the compound’s broader selectivity and provided critical insights for designing more effective anti-inflammatory therapies. Dr. Kuma’s research has directly informed clinical trials for inflammatory diseases, bridging basic kinase biology with translational medicine. Her work is widely recognized for its rigor and impact, establishing her as a key authority on stress-activated kinase inhibition. For students and researchers, her contributions underscore the importance of thorough isoform profiling in drug development, making her a vital reference in both academic and pharmaceutical contexts.