RASSF7 negatively regulates pro-apoptotic JNK signaling by inhibiting the activity of phosphorylated-MKK7

Members of the Ras-association domain family (RASSF) of proteins influence apoptosis and cell cycling but little is known about the mechanisms. Here, we show that RASSF7 interacts with N-Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) to negatively regulate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Stress-induced JNK activation and apoptosis were markedly enhanced in cells depleted of RASSF7 or N-Ras by RNAi knockdown. An interaction with RASSF7 promoted the phosphorylated state of MKK7 but inhibited this kinase's ability to activate JNK. RASSF7 required its RA domain for both interaction with GTP-bound N-Ras and the anti-apoptotic response to stress stimuli. Following prolonged stress, however, RASSF7's anti-apoptotic effect was eliminated because of degradation of RASSF7 protein via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Our results indicate that RASSF7 acts in concert with N-Ras to constitute a stress-sensitive temporary mechanism of apoptotic regulation. With initial stress, RASSF7/N-Ras promotes cell survival by inhibiting the MKK7/JNK pathway. However, with prolonged stress, RASSF7 protein undergoes degradation that allows cell death signaling to proceed. Our findings may account for the association of elevated RASSF7 with tumorigenesis.