The c-jun proto-oncogene encodes a transcription factor which is activ
ated by mitogens both transcriptionally and by phosphorylation by Jun
N-terminal kinase (JNK). We have investigated the cellular signalling
pathways involved in epidermal growth factor (EGF) induction of the c-
jun promoter. We find that two sequence elements, which bind ATF1 and
MEF2D transcription factors, are required in HeLa cells, although they
are not sufficient for maximal induction. Activated forms of Ras, Rac
I, Cdc42Hs, and MEKK increased expression of the c-jun promoter, while
dominant negative forms of Ras, RacI, and MEK kinase (MEKK) inhibited
EGF induction. These and previously published results suggest that EG
F activates the c-jun promoter by a Ras-to-Rac-to-MEKK pathway. This p
athway is similar to that used for posttranslational activation of c-j
un by JNK.