JunD

Transcription factor JunD is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the JUND is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The protein encoded by this intronless gene is a member of the JUN family, and a functional component of the AP1 transcription factor complex. It has been proposed to protect cells from p53-dependent senescence and apoptosis. Alternate translation initiation site usage results in the production of different isoforms.

ΔJunD
The dominant negative mutant variant of JunD, known as ΔJunD or Delta JunD, is a potent antagonist of the is_associated_with::ΔFosB transcript, as well as other forms of AP-1-mediated transcriptional activity. In the is_associated_with::nucleus accumbens, ΔJunD directly opposes many of the neurological changes that occur in addiction, i.e., those induced by ΔFosB. ΔFosB inhibitors (drugs that oppose its action) may be an effective treatment for addiction and addictive disorders (e.g., those which induce expression of ΔJunD in the nucleus accumbens).

Interactions
JunD has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::ATF3, is_associated_with::MEN1, is_associated_with::DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 and is_associated_with::BRCA1.