Proapoptotic Bak is sequestered by Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L), but not Bcl-2, until displaced by BH3-only proteins
Details
Publication Year 2005-06-01,Volume 19,Issue #11,Page 1294-1305
Journal Title
GENES & DEVELOPMENT
Publication Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Commitment of cells to apoptosis is governed largely by the interaction between members of the Bcl-2 protein family. its three subfamilies have distinct roles: The BH3-only proteins trigger apoptosis by binding via their BH3 domain to prosurvival relatives, while the proapoptotic Bax and Bak have an essential downstream role involving permeabilization of organellar membranes and induction of caspase activation. We have investigated the regulation of Bak and find that, in healthy cells, Bak associates with Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) but surprisingly not Bcl-2, Bcl-w, or A1. These interactions require the Bak BH3 domain, which is also necessary for Bak dimerization and killing activity. When cytotoxic signals activate BH3-only proteins that can engage both Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) (such as Noxa plus Bad), Bak is displaced and induces cell death. Accordingly, the BH3-only protein Noxa could bind to Mcl-1, displace Bak, and promote Mcl-1 degradation, but Bak-mediated cell death also required neutralization of Bcl-x, by other BH3-only proteins. The results indicate that Bak is held in check solely by Mcl-1 and Bcl-x, and induces apoptosis only if freed from both. The finding that different prosurvival proteins have selective roles has notable implications for the design of anti-cancer drugs that target the Bcl-2 family.
Publisher
COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB PRESS, PUBLICATIONS DEPT
Keywords
ADENOVIRUS E1B 19K; X-DEFICIENT MICE; CELL-DEATH; BH3 DOMAIN; MITOCHONDRIAL APOPTOSIS; INITIATE APOPTOSIS; CYTOCHROME-C; IN-VIVO; MEMBRANE; FAMILY
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2005-06-01 12:00:00
An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙