JunD protects cells from p53-dependent senescence and apoptosis
J B Weitzman1, L Fiette, K Matsuo
1Unite des Virus Oncogenes CNRS URA1644 Pasteur Institute, Paris, France.
Abstract:
JunD is the most broadly expressed member of the Jun family and the AP-1 transcription factor complex. Primary fibroblasts lacking JunD displayed p53-dependent growth arrest, upregulated p19(Arf) expression, and premature senescence. In contrast, immortalized cell lines lacking JunD showed increased proliferation and higher cyclinD1 levels. These properties are reminiscent of the effects of oncogenic Ras expression on primary and established cell cultures. Furthermore, JunD(-/-) fibroblasts exhibited increased p53-dependent apoptosis upon ultraviolet irradiation and were sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-alpha. The antiapoptotic role of JunD was confirmed using an in vivo model of TNF-mediated hepatitis. We propose that JunD protects cells from senescence, or apoptotic responses to stress stimuli, by acting as a modulator of the signaling pathways that link Ras to p53.
Insights
JunD protein protects cells from premature aging and stress-induced cell death. Loss of JunD leads to growth arrest in primary cells but increased proliferation in immortalized cells, impacting Ras-p53 signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- JunD is a widely expressed member of the Jun family and the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex.
- The AP-1 complex plays critical roles in cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of JunD in cellular responses to stress, senescence, and oncogenic signaling.
- To elucidate the relationship between JunD, Ras, and p53 pathways.
Main Methods:
- Gene knockout studies in primary fibroblasts and immortalized cell lines.
- Analysis of cell proliferation, senescence markers (p19Arf), apoptosis, and cell cycle regulators (cyclinD1).
- In vivo studies using a mouse model of TNF-alpha-induced hepatitis.
Main Results:
- Primary fibroblasts lacking JunD exhibited p53-dependent growth arrest, premature senescence, and increased apoptosis upon UV irradiation.
- Immortalized cell lines lacking JunD showed increased proliferation and cyclin D1 levels, similar to oncogenic Ras expression.
- JunD deficiency sensitized cells to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity, and JunD demonstrated an anti-apoptotic role in vivo.
Conclusions:
- JunD acts as a crucial modulator of signaling pathways linking Ras to p53.
- JunD protects cells against senescence and apoptosis in response to various stress stimuli.
- These findings highlight JunD's role as a tumor suppressor by preventing aberrant proliferation and promoting cell survival under stress.
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