MAPK11 (p38β) is a major determinant of cellular radiosensitivity by controlling ionizing radiation-associated senescence: An in vitro study

•Genetic perturbation of MAPK11, but not MAPK14, promotes radiosensitivity in three cancer cell lines.•Abrogation of MAPK11 did not modify DNA damage response, proliferation, apoptosis, or cell cycle in response to ionizing radiation.•MAPK11 controls ionizing radiation-induced senescence.•MAPK11 expression could be a novel target and biomarker for radiosensitivity.