JNK activation is critical for Aplidin™-induced apoptosis

Aplidin(TM) is an antitumor drug that induces apoptosis and activates EGFR, Src, JNK and p38MAPK. Here, we show that Aplidin(TM) induces c-JUN, JUN B, JUN D, c-FOS, FRA-1 and FOS B genes of the activator-protein (AP)-1 family, and also p65/RELA, a major component of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Concordantly, Aplidin(TM) increases AP-1 and NF-kappaB activity. c-FOS induction depends on EGFR, Src and JNK/p38MAPK. In contrast, induction of c-JUN does not require EGFR activity and p65/RELA induction is only partially dependent on these kinases. We used several genetically deficient cells to identify the critical target of Aplidin(TM). Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient for src, yes and fyn, and those lacking all p38MAPK isoforms displayed normal Aplidin(TM) sensitivity (IC50 = 12 nM). In contrast, MEFs lacking jnk1 and jnk2, which do not express any JNK isoform, were much less sensitive (IC50 > 500 nM). Furthermore, cells lacking c-jun or expressing a c-Jun protein in which JNK targets Ser(63/73) were mutated (c-JunAA) showed intermediate sensitivity (IC50 = 60 nM). Additionally, Aplidin(T) has higher cytotoxic activity against proliferating than quiescent cells, which is reflected in higher JNK activation. We conclude that phosphorylation by JNK of c-Jun and additional substrate(s) is crucial for Aplidin(TM) activity.