The c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway and apoptotic signaling (review)

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) group of mitogen-activated protein kinase s (MAPKs) is activated in mammalian cells by environmental stress, pro-Infl ammatory cytokines, and mitogenic stimuli. Biochemical and genetic studies demonstrate that JNK regulates the activities of many transcription factors , and that the JNK pathway is required for the regulation of inflammatory r esponses, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. The involvement of JNK in apop totic cell death is particularly intriguing, and has been actively studied in recent years. An improved understanding of JNK-mediated apoptotic signal ing may provide novel strategies in prevention and treatment of cancers.