Homeodomain Interacting Protein Kinase 2 Promotes Apoptosis by Downregulating the Transcriptional Corepressor CtBP
Zhang, Q.; Yoshimatsu, Y.; Hildebrand, J.; Frisch, S.M.; Goodman, R.H.
Cell 115(2): 177-186
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0092-8674 PMID: 14567915 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00802-x
Accession: 009869244
Genetic knockout of the transcriptional corepressor CtBP in mouse embryo fibroblasts upregulates several genes involved in apoptosis. We predicted, therefore, that a propensity toward apoptosis might be regulated through changes in cellular CtBP. To identify pathways involved in this regulation, we screened a mouse embryo cDNA library with an E1A-CtBP complex and identified the homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2), which had previously been linked to UV-directed apoptosis through its ability to phosphorylate p53. Expression of HIPK2 or exposure to UV irradiation reduced CtBP levels via a proteosome-mediated pathway. The UV effect was prevented by coexpression of kinase-inactive HIPK2 or reduction in HIPK2 levels via siRNA. Mutation of the residue phosphorylated by HIPK2 prevented UV- and HIPK2-directed CtBP clearance. Finally, reduction in CtBP levels, either by genetic knockout or siRNA, promoted apoptosis in p53-deficient cells. These findings provide a pathway for UV-induced apoptosis in cells lacking p53. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.