Reassembly of JIP1 scaffold complex in JNK MAP kinase pathway using heterologous protein interactions

PLoS One. 2014 May 9;9(5):e96797. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096797. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Formation of signaling protein complexes is crucial for proper signal transduction. Scaffold proteins in MAP kinase pathways are thought to facilitate complex assembly, thereby promoting efficient and specific signaling. To elucidate the assembly mechanism of scaffold complexes in mammals, we attempted to rationally rewire JIP1-dependent JNK MAP kinase pathway via alternative assembly of JIP1 complex. When JIP1-JNK docking interaction in the complex was replaced with heterologous protein interaction domains, such as PDZ domains and JNK-binding domains, a functional scaffold complex was reconstituted, and JNK signaling was rescued. Reassembly of JIP1 complex using heterologous protein interactions was sufficient for restoring of JNK MAP kinase pathway to induce signaling responses, including JNK activation and cell death. These results suggest a simple yet modular mechanism for JIP1 scaffold assembly in mammals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System*
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • PDZ Domains
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Mapk8ip protein, mouse
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Grants and funding

This study was supported by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2011-0006427 and NRF-2012R1A1A2009248) to S.-H.P. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.