AP-1

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family is a group of regulatory kinases with important functions in cell morphogenesis, inflammation, differentiation, and cell death (1). Aberrant activation of JNK family proteins in cancers has led to interest in small molecule JNK inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy (1). JNK1, also known as MAPK8, is expressed in most tissues and is involved in transduction of extracellular signals such as growth factors or cytokines though a phosphorylation cascade to elicit diverse intracellular responses (1).

This gene encodes the major 3' to 5' DNA exonuclease in human cells. The protein is a non-processive exonuclease that appears to provide proofreading for checkpoint signaling after DNA damage in response to oxidative stress and apoptosis. It is ubiquitously expressed. Trex1 binds to single-stranded DNA coated with replication protein A found at sites of DNA damage, and recruits the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related protein (ATR) checkpoint kinase.