THE product of the c-abl gene is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. The precise function of c-Abl is unknown. Here we show that ionizing radiation activates c-Abl. Similar results were obtained with the alkylating agents cis-platinum and mitomycin C. We also demonstrate that cells deficient in c-Abl fail to activate Jun kinase (JNK/SAP kinase) after ionizing radiation or alkylating agent exposure and that reconstitution of c-Abl in these cells restores that response. In contrast, the stress response to tumour-necrosis factor is stimulated by a c-Abl-independent mechanism. These findings indicate that c-abl is involved in the stress response to DNA-damaging agents.