Induction of IL-6 expression by Dragon siRNA is abolished by p38 inhibitor SB203580 or Erk1/2 inhibitor PD98059. (A) RAW264.7 cells were transfected with control or Dragon siRNA, followed by incubation with DMSO, SB203580 (2.5 μM), or PD98059 (2.5 μM). The cells were analyzed by real time PCR for IL-6 and RPL19 mRNA levels. (B) RAW264.7 cells were transfected with control or Dragon siRNA, followed by incubation with DMSO, SB203580 (2.5 μM), or PD98059 (2.5 μM). The cells were lyzed and analyzed by Western blotting for phospho-p38 and total p38; and phospho-Erk1/2 and total Erk1/2. *, p < 0.05 versus cells transfected with Dragon siRNA in the absence of any inbibitors (bar 2).