ASK1 is required for sustained activations of JNK/p38 MAP kinases and apoptosis

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK) 1 is activated in response to various cytotoxic stresses including TNF, Fas and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H₂O₂, and activates c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. However, the roles of JNK and p38 signaling pathways during apoptosis have been controversial. Here we show that by deleting ASK1 in mice, TNF- and H₂O₂-induced sustained activations of JNK and p38 are lost in ASK1^–/– embryonic fibroblasts, and that ASK1^–/– cells are resistant to TNF- and H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. TNF- but not Fas-induced apoptosis requires ROS-dependent activation of ASK1–JNK/p38 pathways. Thus, ASK1 is selectively required for TNF- and oxidative stress-induced sustained activations of JNK/p38 and apoptosis.