JNK-interacting leucine zipper protein is a novel scaffolding protein in the Galpha13 signaling pathway

Biochemistry. 2005 Nov 1;44(43):14090-6. doi: 10.1021/bi050604l.

Abstract

Scaffolding proteins play a critical role in conferring specificity and fidelity to signaling pathways. The JNK-interacting leucine zipper protein (JLP) has been identified as a scaffolding protein involved in linking components of the JNK signaling module. Galpha(12) and Galpha(13), the alpha-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins G12 and G13, respectively, stimulate the JNK module in diverse cell types. Here, we report that Galpha(13) physically interacts with JLP, and this interaction enhances Galpha(13)-mediated JNK activation. We also demonstrate endogenous interaction between JLP and Galpha(13) in MCF-7 cells. JLP interaction is specific to the G12 family of alpha-subunits via its C-terminal domain (termed GID-JLP), spanning amino acids 1165-1307, and this interaction is more pronounced with the mutationally or functionally activated form of Galpha(13) compared to that of wild-type Galpha(13). The presence of a ternary complex consisting of Galpha(13), JLP, and JNK suggests a role for JLP in tethering Galpha(13) to the signaling components involved in JNK activation. Coexpression of GID-JLP disrupts ternary complex formation in addition to attenuating Galpha(13)-stimulated JNK activity. These findings identify JLP as a novel scaffolding protein in the Galpha(13)-mediated JNK signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13 / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13 / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13 / metabolism*
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / chemistry
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Leucine Zippers*
  • Mutation
  • Protein Binding
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13