Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis
Published on: August 7, 2018
Induced, selective proteolysis of MLK3 negatively regulates MLK3/JNK signalling
Geou-Yarh Liou1, Hua Zhang, Eva M Miller
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, USA.
Abstract:
MLK3 (mixed lineage kinase 3) is a MAP3K [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinase kinase] that activates multiple MAPK pathways, including the JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) pathway. Immunoblotting of lysates from cells ectopically expressing active MLK3 revealed an additional immunoreactive band corresponding to a CTF (C-terminal fragment) of MLK3. In the present paper we provide evidence that MLK3 undergoes proteolysis to generate a stable CTF in response to different stimuli, including PMA and TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha). The cleavage site was deduced by Edman sequencing as between Gln251 and Pro252, which is within the kinase domain of MLK3. Based on our homology model of the kinase domain of MLK3, the region containing the cleavage site is predicted to reside on a flexible solvent-accessible loop. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that Leu250 and Gln251 are required for recognition by the 'MLK3 protease', reminiscent of the substrate specificity of the coronavirus 3C and 3CL proteases. Whereas numerous mammalian protease inhibitors have no effect on MLK3 proteolysis, blockade of the proteasome through epoxomicin or MG132 abolishes PMA-induced production of the CTF of MLK3. This CTF is able to heterodimerize with full-length MLK3, and interact with the active form of the small GTPase Cdc42, resulting in diminished activation loop phosphorylation of MLK3 and reduced signalling to JNK. Thus this novel proteolytic processing of MLK3 may negatively control MLK3 signalling to JNK.
Insights
Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) undergoes proteolysis to produce a stable C-terminal fragment (CTF). This CTF negatively regulates MLK3 signaling to JNK pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling
- Proteolysis
- Kinase regulation
Background:
- Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a MAP3K that activates multiple MAPK pathways, including JNK.
- MLK3 signaling is crucial for various cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the post-translational modifications of MLK3.
- To identify novel regulatory mechanisms of MLK3 activity.
Main Methods:
- Immunoblotting
- Edman sequencing
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- Proteasome inhibition
- Co-immunoprecipitation
Main Results:
- MLK3 undergoes proteolysis to generate a stable C-terminal fragment (CTF).
- Cleavage occurs between Gln251 and Pro252, mediated by the proteasome.
- The MLK3-CTF interacts with full-length MLK3 and Cdc42, reducing JNK pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- Proteolytic processing of MLK3 generates a CTF that acts as a negative feedback regulator.
- This novel mechanism controls MLK3 signaling to the JNK pathway.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Abnormal Proliferation
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
