Protecting the stress response, guarding the MKP-1 mRNA

The RNA-binding protein (RBP) HuR plays a vital role in the mammalian stress response, effecting changes in the proliferation and survival of damaged cells. HuR prominently influences the stress response by regulating the stability and translation of mRNAs encoding stress-response proteins. Recently, HuR was found to affect mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, at least in part by post-transcriptionally promoting the expression of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). As anticipated for a pivotal regulator of the MAPKs c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, MKP-1 expression is tightly regulated transcriptionally, post-transcriptionally and post-translationally. HuR's influence on MKP-1 expression helps to ensure the appropriate abundance of MKP-1 and consequently the appropriate cellular response to stress stimuli.