MAPK/JNK signalling: a potential autophagy regulation pathway

• Published in: Bioscience reports Vol. 35; no. 3
• Main Authors: Zhou, Yuan-Yuan, Li, Ying, Jiang, Wei-Qin, Zhou, Lin-Fu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Portland Press Ltd 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Animals; Autophagy - physiology; Beclin-1 - genetics; Beclin-1 - metabolism; Humans; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism; Review; Signal Transduction; B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2); autophagic cell death; Beclin1; autophagy; mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)
• ISSN: 0144-8463; 1573-4935
• DOI: 10.1042/BSR20140141

Autophagy refers to a lysosomal degradative pathway or a process of self-cannibalization. This pathway maintains nutrients levels for vital cellular functions during periods of starvation and it provides cells with survival advantages under various stress situations. However, the mechanisms responsible for the induction and regulation of autophagy are poorly understood. The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathway functions to induce defence mechanisms that protect organisms against acute oxidative and xenobiotic insults. This pathway has also been repeatedly linked to the molecular events involved in autophagy regulation. The present review will focus on recent advances in understanding of the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/JNK signalling and autophagic cell death.