While p38 MAPK-mediated activation of ERCC1 has been previously reported23 and associated with pro-survival effects of activation of this pathway32, also the opposite effect of p38 MAPK activation has been reported and specifically linked to 5-FU-mediated induction of apoptosis via activation of p38alpha MAPK in CRC lines22. Here, ERCC1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.