Physical association with WWOX suppresses c-Jun transcriptional activity

Cancer Res. 2006 Dec 15;66(24):11585-9. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-3376.

Abstract

WWOX is a tumor suppressor that functions as a modular protein partner of transcription factors. WWOX contains two WW domains that mediate protein-protein interactions. In this report, we show that WWOX, via its first WW domain, specifically associates with the proline-rich motif of c-Jun proto-oncogene. Our data show that phosphorylation of c-Jun caused by overexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (Mekk1), an upstream activator of c-Jun, enhances the interaction of c-Jun with WWOX. Furthermore, exposure of HaCaT keratinocytes to UVC radiation resulted in the association of endogenous WWOX and c-Jun. The WWOX-c-Jun complexes mainly occur in the cytoplasm. Expression of WWOX attenuates the ability of MEKK1 to increase the activity of a c-Jun-driven activating protein-1 (AP-1)-luciferase reporter plasmid. In contrast, a point mutation in the first WW domain of WWOX has no effect on transactivation of AP-1 when coexpressed with c-Jun protein. Our findings reveal a novel functional cross-talk between c-Jun transcription factor and WWOX tumor suppressor protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genes, jun*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Oxidoreductases / genetics
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Plasmids
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Suppression, Genetic
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Oxidoreductases
  • WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase
  • WWOX protein, human