Bodner A, Maroney AC, Finn JP, Ghadge G, Roos R, Miller RJ. Mixed lineage kinase 3 mediates gp120IIIB-induced neurotoxicity.
J Neurochem 2002;
82:1424-34. [PMID:
12354290 DOI:
10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.01088.x]
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Abstract
Overexpression of gp120, the major coat protein of the HIV-1 virus, in central glial cells, or treatment of neurons with gp120 in culture, produces apoptotic neuronal death. Here we demonstrate that CEP-1347 (KT7515), an inhibitor of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), an upstream activator of JNK, inhibits gp120IIIB-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, expression of wild type MLK3 in hippocampal pyramidal neurons enhanced gp120IIIB-induced neurotoxicity, whereas expression of a dominant negative MLK3 protected neurons from the toxic effects of the glycoprotein. These results indicate a role for MLK3 signaling in gp120IIIB-induced neuronal death, and suggest potential clinical utility of CEP-1347 in inhibiting the progression of AIDS dementia.
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