MKP-7, a negative regulator of JNK, regulates VCAM-1 expression through IRF-1

► VCAM-1, rather than ICAM-1, plays a major role in the initiation of atherosclerosis and tumor progression. ► The existence of IRF-1 and GATA functional transcription factor binding motifs in the VCAM-1 gene promoter region distinguishes VCAM-1 from other CAMs. ► We discovered that specific inhibition of JNK1 in endothelial cells enhances TNF-α-mediated VCAM-1 induction. ► JNK activation by TNF-α is negatively regulated by MKP-7 in endothelial cell, and down-regulation of JNK1 leads to up-regulation of IRF-1, which is important in activation of VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1.