Role of JNK activation in apoptosis: a double-edged sword

Cell Res. 2005 Jan;15(1):36-42. doi: 10.1038/sj.cr.7290262.

Abstract

JNK is a key regulator of many cellular events, including programmed cell death (apoptosis). In the absence of NF-kB activation, prolonged JNK activation contributes to TNF-a induced apoptosis. JNK is also essential for UV induced apoptosis. However, recent studies reveal that JNK can suppress apoptosis in IL-3-dependent hematopoietic cells via phosphorylation of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein BAD. Thus, JNK has pro- or antiapoptotic functions, depending on cell type, nature of the death stimulus, duration of its activation and the activity of other signaling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-3 / metabolism
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 4
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • bcl-Associated Death Protein

Substances

  • BAD protein, human
  • Bad protein, mouse
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Interleukin-3
  • NF-kappa B
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • bcl-Associated Death Protein
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 4
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases