Genetic knockdown, rescue, and pharmacological inhibition experiments further demonstrated that these cytoprotective effects under oxidative stress were dependent on MAPKAPK2 kinase activity.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Epigenetic silencing of MAPKAPK2 aggravates oxidative damage in vitiligo melanocytes, potentially by attenuating Nrf2-associated antioxidant responses. The gene discussed is MAPKAPK2; the disease is vitiligo.