Abstract
DAF-16/forkhead transcription factor, the downstream target of the insulin-like signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans, is indispensable for both lifespan regulation and stress resistance. Here, we demonstrate that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a positive regulator of DAF-16 in both processes. Our genetic analysis suggests that the JNK pathway acts in parallel with the insulin-like signaling pathway to regulate lifespan and both pathways converge onto DAF-16. We also show that JNK-1 directly interacts with and phosphorylates DAF-16. Moreover, in response to heat stress, JNK-1 promotes the translocation of DAF-16 into the nucleus. Our findings define an interaction between two well conserved proteins, JNK-1 and DAF-16, and provide a mechanism by which JNK regulates longevity and stress resistance.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
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Animals
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Animals, Genetically Modified
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Base Sequence
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
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Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology*
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DNA, Helminth / genetics
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Genes, Helminth
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Longevity / genetics*
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Longevity / physiology*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 / genetics*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 / physiology*
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Models, Biological
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Phosphorylation
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Signal Transduction
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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DNA, Helminth
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Transcription Factors
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daf-16 protein, C elegans
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8