Mechanism of IKK Signaling Network

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term goal of our research is to investigate how the intracellular signaling circuitry is wired in response to specific extracellular stimuli, thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of human diseases. In this proposal, we will study the molecular mechanism underlying the IKK signaling network and its pathophysiological implications, using regulation of Bad by IKK in TNFα-induced apoptosis as a molecular probe. Using multifaceted approaches, we uncovered a second signaling pathway of the IKK signaling network, i.e., the IKK-Bad axis. We found that Bad is a novel target of IKK and is also required for TNFα-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Regulation of Bad by IKK is involved in inhibition of TNFα-induced apoptosis. We hypothesize that in addition to activation of NF-κB, IKK inhibits TNFα-induced apoptosis via inactivation of Bad, i.e., the "NF-κB activation and Bad inactivation" model. This proposal is novel, as it will study the role of the IKK-Bad axis in apoptosis induced by TNFα and other death stimuli, as well as in necrosis and autophagy, and the underlying mechanism and pathophysiological functions of the regulation in vitro and in vivo. This study will put forward a novel paradigm regarding the IKK signaling network and will provide a better understanding of the biological functions of the IKK signaling network in terms of regulation of cell death, which plays an important role in many human diseases.