BNIP3 as an atypical representative of the Bcl-2 protein family. Part 1: BNIP3, a regulator of non-apoptotic programmed cell death
Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2009, Vol 63, Issue
Abstract
BNIP3 is classified as a member of the Bcl-2 protein family that regulates programmed cell death and of the BH3-only protein subfamily as it only contains one BH domain. However, the transmembrane domain of BNIP3 is involved in at least some of its pro-apoptotic functions. Although there are some similarities between BNIP3 and other BH3-only proteins, for example the ability to interact with anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and to induce cytochrome c release from mitochondria, BNIP3 is undoubtedly distinct in regard to its activity and regulatory mechanisms. Not only can BNIP3 activate apoptosis, but also, or perhaps first of all, it can activate necrosis-like cell death due to its direct interaction with the mitochondrial membrane. BNIP3 is also involved is autophagy, but its role in this process is not yet clearly understood. It is possible that the induction or stimulation of autophagy by this protein can simultaneously inhibit apoptosis, for example in cardiac myocytes. In some cells, BNIP3 is sequestered in the nucleus, where it also acts as an anti-apoptotic factor, namely as a repressor of AIF transcription. This activity may enable tumor cells to achieve resistance to chemotherapeutics. Understanding BNIP3 functions and regulatory mechanisms can point to new molecular targets in the treatment of cancer and ischemic heart or brain diseases.
Authors and Affiliations
Ewelina Swoboda, Leon Strządała
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP66370
- DOI -
- Views 183
- Downloads 0
Glutenfree diet: Characteristics of target groups
A gluten-free diet is a diet very popular, though it raises a number of misconceptions. This is currently the only effective treatment for diseases caused by reaction to gluten. Some experts suggest that it may yield pos...
Współczesne poglądy na etiopatogenezę układowego tocznia rumieniowatego
Praca jest przeglądem informacji literaturowych dotyczących etiopatogenezy układowego tocznia rumieniowatego. Postępy nauki w zakresie poznania mechanizmów obserwowanych zaburzeń oraz wdrażanie odpowiedniego postępowania...
Szlak sygnałowy PD1/PD1L, cząsteczka HLA-G i limfocyty T regulatorowe jako nowe czynniki immunosupresji w nowotworach
Prawidłowe funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego jest zależne od skutecznej regulacji odpowiedzi immunologicznej. Utrzymanie homeostazy między sygnałami pobudzającymi i hamującymi funkcje komórek immunokompetentnych jest...
The role of ceramides in selected brain pathologies: ischemia/hypoxia, Alzheimer disease
Ceramides, members of the sphingolipids, are produced in the central nervous system by de novo synthesis, sphingomyelin hydrolysis or the so-called salvage pathway. They are engaged in formation of lipid rafts that are...
Effect of allograft inflammatory factor-1 gene polymorphisms on rheumatoid arthritis treatment with methotrexate
Objective: Methotrexate (MTX) in low doses is used in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of many studies is to identify factors predicting the outcome of treatment with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis...