MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) transduces c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation in response to changes in the microtubule cytoskeleton

Cell shape change and the restructuring of the cytoskeleton are important regulatory responses that influence the growth, differentiation, and commitment to apoptosis of different cell types. MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) activates the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in response to exposure of cells to microtubule toxins, including taxol, MEKK1 expression is elevated 3-fold in mitosis and microtubule toxin-treated cells accumulated at G(2)/M of the cell cycle. Targeted disruption of MEKK1 expression in embryonic stem cells resulted in the loss of JNK activation and increased apoptosis in response to taxol. Targeted disruption of the MEK kinase 2 gene had no effect on activation of the JNK pathway in response to microtubule toxins demonstrating a specific role of MEKK1 in this response. Cytochalasin D-mediated disruption of actin fibers activates JNK and stimulates apoptosis similarly in MEKK1(-/-) and wild type cells. The results show that MEKK1 is required for JNK activation in response to microtubule but not actin fiber toxins in embryonic stem cells. MEKK1 activation can protect cells from apoptosis in response to change in the integrity of the microtubule cytoskeleton.