Activation of MLK2-mediated signaling cascades by polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin |
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Authors: | Liu Y F Dorow D Marshall J |
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Institution: | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. yafliu@lynx.neu.edu |
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Abstract: | We previously reported that expression of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin induces apoptosis via c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in HN33 cells (Liu, Y. F. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 28873-28822). Extending this study, we now demonstrate a role of mixed-lineage kinase 2 (MLK2), a JNK activator, in polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin-mediated neuronal toxicity. We find that normal huntingtin interacts with MLK2, whereas the polyglutamine expansion interferes with this interaction. Similar to the expression of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin, expression of MLK2 also induces JNK activation and apoptosis in HN33 cells. Co-expression of dominant negative MLK2 significantly attenuates neuronal apoptosis induced by the mutated huntingtin. Furthermore, over-expression of the N terminus of normal huntingtin partially rescues the neuronal toxicity induced by MLK2. Our results suggest that activation of MLK2-mediated signaling cascades may be partially involved in neuronal death induced by polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin. |
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