Bax Translocation (bax + translocation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Apoptosis via the B cell antigen receptor requires Bax translocation and involves mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome C release, and caspase-9 activation

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2004
Eric Eldering
Abstract Various routes to apoptosis can be active during B cell development. In a model system of mature B cells, differences in caspase-3 processing have suggested that antigen receptor (BCR)-mediated apoptosis may involve a zVAD-insensitive initiator protease(s). In search of the events leading to caspase-3 activation, we now establish that both CD95- and BCR-mediated apoptosis depend on Bax activation and cytochrome C (cytC) release. Nevertheless, the timing and caspase-dependence of mitochondrial membrane depolarization differed considerably after CD95- or BCR-triggering. To delineate events subsequent to cytC release, we compared apoptosis induced via BCR triggering and via direct mitochondrial depolarization by CCCP. In both cases, partial processing of caspase-3 was observed in the presence of zVAD. By expression in 293 cells we addressed the potential of candidate initiator caspases to function in the presence of zVAD, and found that caspase-9 efficiently processed caspase-3, while caspase-2 or ,8 were inactive. Finally, retroviral expression of dominant-negative caspase-9 inhibited both CD95- and BCR-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, we obtained no evidence for involvement of a BCR-specific protease. Instead, our data show for the first time that the BCR-signal causes Bax translocation, followed by mitochondrial depolarization, and cytC release. Subsequent caspase-9 activation can solely account for events further downstream. [source]


3T3-L1 adipocyte apoptosis induced by thiazolidinediones is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-,-dependent and mediated by the caspase-3-dependent apoptotic pathway

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010
Yuanyuan Xiao
Although thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are potent promoters of adipogenesis in the preadipocyte, they induce apoptosis in several other cell types, such as cancer cells, endothelial cells and T-lymphocytes. In this study, we investigated the proapoptotic effect of TZDs in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which express high levels of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-, (PPAR,) protein. Apoptosis was induced in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes by treatment with troglitazone, pioglitazone or prostaglandin J2, and could be blocked by the PPAR, antagonist GW9662. Treatment with PPAR, agonists also decreased Akt-1 protein and phosphorylation levels without affecting phosphoinositide 3-kinase and PTEN. Further analysis indicated that in troglitazone-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Bad phosphorylation and Bcl-2 protein levels were reduced, and Bax translocation to the mitochondria was increased. Subsequently, cytochrome c release and caspase-3 cleavage were observed. TZD-induced adipocyte apoptosis could be blocked by the caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO or by overexpression of Bcl2. In cultured rat primary adipocytes, similar apoptosis-inducing effects of troglitazone were also observed. Thus, TZDs promote apoptosis in adipocytes through a PPAR,-dependent pathway. This apoptosis is mediated by the inhibition of Akt-1, which decreases Bad phosphorylation and activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. [source]


Hypoxia increases normal prostate epithelial cell resistance to receptor-mediated apoptosis via AKT activation

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 8 2009
Sinead Walsh
Abstract The aging prostate is associated with changes in its vascular structure, which could lead to changes in oxygen levels. Hypoxia is an important environmental change that leads to the progression of many cancers mediated through a number of cellular changes, which included resistance to apoptosis. The role of hypoxia in initiating tumour development has not been previously investigated. We demonstrate that normal prostate epithelial cells develop a resistance to receptor-mediated apoptosis following 24 hr of 1% hypoxia. This effect is associated with the altered expression of a number of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, which leads to inhibition of Cytochrome c release and downstream caspase activation. This is mediated via decreased Bax translocation and upstream Caspase 8 activity. Despite increased expression of cIAP-2, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown does not restore susceptibility to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Gene expression analysis indicated potential changes in AKT activation, which was confirmed by increased phosphorylation of AKT. Inhibition of this phosphorylation reversed the resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. AKT activation is emerging as a key survival signal in prostate cancer. This study demonstrates that short exposure to low oxygen can increase resistance to immune surveillance mechanisms and might confer a survival advantage onto normal prostate epithelial cells so that they can survive subsequent genomic instability and other carcinogenetic insults leading to the early development of prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Differential regulation of protein expression, growth and apoptosis by natural and synthetic retinoids

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003
M.A. Christine Pratt
Abstract All- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can down regulate the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1 and cdk2 in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. We show here that retinoids can also reduce expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein, survivin. Here we have compared the regulation of these proteins in MCF-7 and ZR-75 breast cancer cells by natural and synthetic retinoids selective for the RA receptors (RARs) ,, ,, and , then correlated these with growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis and chemosensitization to Taxol. In both cell lines ATRA and 9- cis RA induced the most profound decreases in cyclin D1 and cdk2 expression and also mediated the largest growth inhibition. The RAR, agonist, Ro 40-6055 also strongly downregulated these proteins although did not produce an equivalent decrease in S-phase cells. Only ATRA induced RAR, expression. ATRA, 9- cis RA and 4-HPR initiated the highest level of apoptosis as determined by mitochondrial Bax translocation, while only ATRA and 9- cis RA strongly reduced Bcl-2 and survivin protein expression. Enumeration of dead cells over 96 h correlated well with downregulation of both survivin and Bcl-2. Simultaneous retinoid-mediated reduction of both these proteins also predicted optimal Taxol sensitization. 4-HPR was much weaker than the natural retinoids with respect to Taxol sensitization, consistent with the proposed requirement for reduced Bcl-2 in this synergy. Neither the extent of cell cycle protein regulation nor AP-1 inhibition fully predicted the antiproliferative effect of the synthetic retinoids suggesting that growth inhibition requires regulation of a spectrum of RAR-regulated gene products in addition even to pivotal cell cycle proteins. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Vitamin E blocks early events induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in cerebellar granule cells

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2003
Rosa A. González-Polo
Abstract Exposure of cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) results in apoptotic cell death, which is markedly attenuated by co-treatment of CGCs with the radical scavenger vitamin E. Analysis of free radical production and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (,,m), using specific fluorescent probes, showed that MPP+ mediates early radical oxygen species (ROS) production without a loss of ,,m. Exposure to MPP+ also produces an early increase in Bad dephosphorylation and translocation of Bax to the mitochondria. These events are accompanied by cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol, which is followed by caspase 3 activation. Exposure of the neurons to vitamin E maintains Bad phosphorylation and attenuates Bax translocation, inhibiting cytochrome c release and caspase activation. MPP+ -mediated cytochrome c release is also prevented by allopurinol, suggesting the participation of xanthine oxidase in the process. Our results indicate that free radicals play an active role in the MPP+ -induced early events that culminate with cell death. [source]