Multiple signaling conduits regulate global differentiation-specific gene expression in PC12 cells.

PC12 cells serve as a model for exploring nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated signal pathways that mediate neural differentiation. We previously demonstrated that neurofilament light chain (NFLC) gene induction by NGF requires collaborative extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Herein, we investigate the broader requirement for integrated ERK and JNK signaling in NGF-stimulated gene expression.

Regulation of platinum-compound cytotoxicity by the c-Jun N-terminal kinase and c-Jun signaling pathway in small-cell lung cancer cells.

Cytotoxic platinum compounds including cisplatin are standard cancer chemotherapeutics and are also activators of stress-signaling pathways. In this study, we tested the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family of mitogen-activated protein kinases and their transcription factor target, c-Jun, in the cytotoxic response of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells to cisplatin and its less effective trans-isomer, transplatin. Both agents stimulated JNK activity; the transplatin response was rapid and transient, whereas JNK activation by cisplatin was delayed and sustained.