Regulation of neurite outgrowth by interactions between the scaffolding protein, JNK-associated leucine zipper protein, and neuronal growth-associated protein superior cervical ganglia clone 10

JLP (JNK-associated leucine zipper protein) is a novel scaffolding protein involved in JNK signaling. Although it is known that JLP is highly expressed in brain, the biological function of JLP in neuronal systems remains unknown. Here, we report a novel interaction between JLP and SCG10 (superior cervical ganglia clone 10), which is a microtubule-destabilizing factor that is essential for neurite outgrowth. Inhibition of endogenous JLP expression using small interference RNA methodology strongly enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Our results show that JLP negatively regulates NGF-induced neurite outgrowth by decreasing the level of phosphorylated SCG10. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK phosphorylation by a small molecule inhibitor, SP600125, resulted in inhibition of SCG10 phosphorylation and inhibition of neurite growth. Taken together, our results suggest that JLP negatively regulates NGF-induced neurite outgrowth through a sequestering mechanism that results in an attenuation of NGF-induced SCG10 phosphorylation.