Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are important signalling molecules regulating plant development and defence responses. They are among the first responders to detection of pathogen threats, often acting immediately downstream of receptor-like kinases. These enzymes function in a cascade that relays both extracellular and intracellular signals to the nucleus in order to affect change in gene expression. Despite their importance in plant defence and other biological processes the MAPK signalling cascades are poorly characterized in wheat. We recently reported the genome-wide identified and analysis of the MAPK members of the MAP kinase (MPK) and MAPK kinase (MKK) subfamilies in wheat and related species. Seventeen MPKs and twelve MKKs, along with multiple genomic copies, were identified in hexaploid wheat. Orthologous naming was assigned based on the accepted MAPK nomenclature to facilitate comparisons with other plant species. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease that poses a threat to the production of wheat and related cereals worldwide. The responsible fungi, including members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex, produce harmful mycotoxins that contaminate the grain. Much of the research towards understanding FHB resistance mechanisms have been focused on genetic markers and differential gene expression. As a first step in investigating the role of MAPKs in the FHB response, we are analyzing the expression of wheat MAPKs in three wheat genotypes, differing in FHB resistance/susceptibility, following infection with F. graminearum. Since MAPKs tend to be constitutively expressed in most tissues, their enzymatic activation in response to F. graminearum infection will also be assessed. Additionally, we have generated transgenic plants in the model plant Brachypodium distachyon that is also susceptible to FHB that expresses a constitutively activated form, or phosphomimic, of MKK4 or MKK6. These plants will be evaluated for changes in the FHB response.