Transcription factor ATF2 regulation by the JNK signal transduction pathway

Science. 1995 Jan 20;267(5196):389-93. doi: 10.1126/science.7824938.

Abstract

Treatment of cells with pro-inflammatory cytokines or ultraviolet radiation causes activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK). Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) was found to be a target of the JNK signal transduction pathway. ATF2 was phosphorylated by JNK on two closely spaced threonine residues within the NH2-terminal activation domain. The replacement of these phosphorylation sites with alanine inhibited the transcriptional activity of ATF2. These mutations also inhibited ATF2-stimulated gene expression mediated by the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor and the adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) oncoprotein. Furthermore, expression of dominant-negative JNK inhibited ATF2 transcriptional activity. Together, these data demonstrate a role for the JNK signal transduction pathway in transcriptional responses mediated by ATF2.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Activating Transcription Factor 2
  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins / physiology
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • CHO Cells
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Cricetinae
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / chemistry
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1 / pharmacology
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Leucine Zippers*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Phosphorylation
  • Point Mutation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / physiology
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transcription Factors*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Activating Transcription Factor 2
  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • Interleukin-1
  • Retinoblastoma Protein
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases