MAPK8 and infection: Since JNK signaling is the key regulator for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stresses (e.g., UV irradiation, ROS, DNA damage, inflammatory cytokines, infection), the induction of Kay/c-Fos indicates an up-regulation of JNK signaling (and other MAPK pathways), as well as an elevated cellular stress responses in both aged oenocytes and liver.