Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 9;21(7):2613. doi: 10.3390/ijms21072613.
C-JUN N-terminal kinases (JNKs), which belong to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are evolutionarily conserved kinases that mediate cell responses to various types of extracellular stress insults. They regulate physiological processes such as embryonic development and tissue regeneration, playing roles in cell proliferation and programmed cell death. JNK signaling is also involved in tumorigenesis and progression of several types of malignancies. Recent studies have shown that JNK signaling has crucial roles in regulating the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we describe the functions of the JNK signaling pathway in self-renewal and differentiation, which are essential features of various types of stem cells, such as embryonic, induced pluripotent, and adult tissue-specific stem cells. We also review current knowledge of JNK signaling in CSCs and discuss its role in maintaining the CSC phenotype. A better understanding of JNK signaling as an essential regulator of stemness may provide a basis for the development of regenerative medicine and new therapeutic strategies against malignant tumors.
C-JUN 氨基末端激酶（JNKs）属于丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）家族，是进化上保守的激酶，介导细胞对外界各种应激刺激的反应。它们调节胚胎发育和组织再生等生理过程，在细胞增殖和程序性细胞死亡中发挥作用。JNK 信号转导还参与多种恶性肿瘤的发生和进展。最近的研究表明，JNK 信号转导在调节癌症干细胞（CSCs）的特征方面具有关键作用。在这里，我们描述了 JNK 信号通路在自我更新和分化中的功能，这是各种类型干细胞（如胚胎干细胞、诱导多能干细胞和成人组织特异性干细胞）的重要特征。我们还回顾了 JNK 信号在 CSCs 中的作用及其在维持 CSC 表型中的作用。更好地了解 JNK 信号作为干性的重要调节因子，可能为再生医学和对抗恶性肿瘤的新治疗策略的发展提供基础。
