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 174
- Downloads 0
Usefulness of estimation of blood procalcitonin concentration versus C-reactive protein concentration and white blood cell count for therapeutic monitoring of sepsis in neonates
Aim: This study was intended to assess the clinical usefulness of blood procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of nosocomial neonatal sepsis.Material/Methods: The enrolment criter...
Udział limfocytów Th17 w patogenezie stwardnienia rozsianego
W 2003 roku opisano nową subpopulację pomocniczych limfocytów T, charakteryzujących się wytwarzaniem IL-17 (IL-17A), nazwanych później limfocytami Th17. Szybko przypisano im istotną rolę w patogenezie stwardnienia rozsia...
Immunological markers of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common connective tissue disease of autoimmune origin. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation leading to bone erosions and organ involvement. RA is a progressive diseas...
Eradication of Rinderpest from Poland in 1921-1922
Due to Rinderpest disease (cattle plague) in Poland, over 40,000 cattle died within the three months of the first half of 1920. Stopping the epizooty of rinderpest (pestis bovum; cattle plague; Typhus bovum contagiosus)...
Inhibitory PARP1: współczesne próby zastosowania w terapii przeciwnowotworowej i perspektywy na przyszłość
Obecne terapie przeciwnowotworowe polegają głównie na wprowadzaniu związków wywołujących uszkodzenia DNA. Niestety, nawet skojarzone leczenie nie daje satysfakcjonujących wyników ze względu na wydajność mechanizmów napra...