Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P10415 (Bcl-2)
 33,771 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Mitochondria play an essential role in apoptosis by releasing apoptogenic molecules such as cytochrome c and AIF, and some caspases, which are all regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins. Pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak have been shown to induce cytochrome c release and loss of membrane potential (Deltapsi) leading to AIF release in the isolated mitochondria. We have previously shown that Bax and Bak open the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) allowing cytochrome c to pass through the channel, and Bcl-xL closes the channel. However, it has been reported that it is adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) with which Bax/Bcl-xL interacts that modulate the channel activity. Here, we investigated the role of ANT and VDAC in the changes of isolated mitochondria triggered by Bax and by chemicals that induce permeability transition (PT). In rat and yeast mitochondria, Bax did not affect the ADP/ATP exchange activity of ANT. VDAC-deficient but not ANT-deficient yeast mitochondria showed resistance to cytochrome c release, Deltapsi loss, and swelling caused by Bax and PT inducers. Bcl-xL showed similar inhibition of all these changes in ANT-deficient and wild type yeast mitochondria. Furthermore, Bax induces cytochrome c release in wild type yeast cells but not VDAC1-deficient yeast cells. These data indicate that VDAC, but not ANT, is essential for apoptotic mitochondrial changes. The data also indicate that Bcl-xL and Bax possess an ability to regulate mitochondrial membrane permeability independently of other Bcl-2 family members.
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PMID:Bax and Bcl-xL independently regulate apoptotic changes of yeast mitochondria that require VDAC but not adenine nucleotide translocator. 1098 Jun 6

This chapter addresses the role of mitochondria in apoptosis. Emphasis is put on the recently observed influence of ceramides on mitochondrial functions. We report here that N-acetylsphingosine (C2-ceramide), N-hexanoylsphingosine (C6-ceramide) and, to a much lesser extent, C2-dihydroceramide, induce cytochrome c (cyt c) release from isolated rat liver mitochondria. Ceramide-induced cyt c release is prevented by a low concentration of Bcl-2. The release takes place when cyt c is oxidized, but not when it is reduced. Upon cyt c release mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi m) and Ca2+ retention are diminished. Bcl-2 prevents, and addition of cyt c reverses, the alteration of these mitochondrial functions. In ATP-energized mitochondria ceramides do not alter delta psi m, neither when cyt c is oxidized nor when it is reduced. This rules out a non-specific disturbance by ceramides of mitochondrial-membrane integrity. It is concluded that some of the apoptogenic properties of ceramides are mediated via their interaction with mitochondrial cyt c followed by its release.
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PMID:Ceramide induces cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria. 1098 54

Cytokines such as interleukin-3 (IL-3) promote the survival of hematopoietic cells through mechanisms that are not well characterized. Withdrawal of IL-3 from an IL-3-dependent pro-B cell line induced early stress-related events that preceded cell death by more than 40 h. Intracellular pH rose above pH 7.8, peaking 2-3 h post-IL-3 withdrawal, and induced a transient increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi(m)) detected using several different dyes. Similar events were observed following IL-7 withdrawal from a different dependent cell line. Bcl-2, Bax, and caspases were unrelated to these early events. Intracellular alkaline pH inhibited the mitochondrial import of ADP, which would limit ATP synthesis. Total cellular ATP sharply declined during this early period, presumably as a consequence of suppressed ADP import. This was followed by an increase in reduced pyridine nucleotides. The transient increase in Delta Psi(m) was blocked by oligomycin, an inhibitor of F(0)F(1-)ATPase that may have undergone reversal caused by the abnormal ADP-ATP balance within mitochondria. These findings suggest a novel sequence of early events following trophic factor withdrawal in which alkaline pH inhibits ADP import into mitochondria, reversing the F(0)F(1-)ATPase, which in turn consumes ATP and pumps out protons, raising Delta Psi(m).
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PMID:Interleukin-3 withdrawal induces an early increase in mitochondrial membrane potential unrelated to the Bcl-2 family. Roles of intracellular pH, ADP transport, and F(0)F(1)-ATPase. 1110 40

The intracellular ATP concentration decides on the onset of either apoptosis or necrosis in Jurkat cells exposed to death stimuli. Bcl-2 can block apoptotic demise, which occurs preferably under conditions of high cellular ATP levels. Here, we investigated the effects of Bcl-2 on the necrotic type of cell demise that prevails under conditions of energy loss. ATP levels were modulated by using mitochondrial inhibitors, such as rotenone or S-nitrosoglutathione, in medium either lacking glucose or supplemented with glucose to stimulate glycolytic ATP generation. Under conditions of ATP depletion, staurosporine (STS) induced >90% necrosis in vector control-transfected cells, whereas bcl-2-transfected cells were protected. Thus, the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 can reduce the overall amount of cell death in ATP-depleted cells regardless whether it occurs by apoptosis or necrosis. Cytochrome c release, normally preceding STS-induced necrosis, was also inhibited by Bcl-2. However, Bcl-2 did not prevent an initial STS-induced drop of the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Therefore, the mechanisms whereby Bcl-2 prevents cell death and favors retention of cytochrome c in the mitochondria require neither the maintenance of mitochondrial DeltaPsi nor the maintenance of normal ATP levels.
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PMID:Differential effects of bcl-2 on cell death triggered under ATP-depleting conditions. 1112 Jun

The nephrotoxicity of trichloroethylene and dichloroacetylene has previously been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC). In this study, we examined whether key biochemical steps associated with mitochondria occur in DCVC-induced apoptosis in cultured porcine proximal tubular LLC-PK1 cells. DCVC caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (mt Delta Psi) beginning at 4 h and a release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm at 6 h. Caspase-3-like activity was detected at 6 h and extensive DNA fragmentation was observed at 8 h. Decreases in cellular ATP were not evident until 8 h and later, even though electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were extensively swollen. Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), an inhibitor of cysteine-conjugate beta-lyase, protected against mitochondrial changes and apoptosis. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein desensitized LLC-PK1 cells to DCVC-induced apoptosis. These results support the interpretation that mitochondrial release of cyt c and cyt c-dependent activation of caspase-3 could have a central role in nephrotoxicity due to haloalkene-derived cysteine S-conjugates.
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PMID:Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine-induced apoptosis. 1116 82

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization can be a rate limiting step of apoptotic as well as necrotic cell death. Permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OM) and/or inner membrane (IM) is, at least in part, mediated by the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC). The PTPC is formed in the IM/OM contact site and contains the two most abundant IM and OM proteins, adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT, in the IM) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC, in the OM), the matrix protein cyclophilin D, which can interact with ANT, as well as apoptosis-regulatory proteins from the Bax/Bcl-2 family. Here we discuss that ANT has two opposite functions. On the one hand, ANT is a vital, specific antiporter which accounts for the exchange of ATP and ADP on IM. On the other hand, ANT can form a non-specific pore, as this has been shown by electrophysiological characterization of purified ANT reconstituted into synthetic lipid bilayers or by measuring the permeabilization of proteoliposomes containing ANT. Pore formation by ANT is induced by a variety of different agents (e.g. Ca(2+), atractyloside, thiol oxidation, the pro-apoptotic HIV-1 protein Vpr, etc.) and is enhanced by Bax and inhibited by Bcl-2, as well as by ADP. In isolated mitochondria, pore formation by ANT leads to an increase in IM permeability to solutes up to 1500 Da, swelling of the mitochondrial matrix, and OM permeabilization, presumably due to physical rupture of OM. Although alternative mechanisms of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization may exist, ANT emerges as a major player in the regulation of cell death. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1146 - 1154
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PMID:Permeabilization of the mitochondrial inner membrane during apoptosis: impact of the adenine nucleotide translocator. 1117 51

Mitochondria are well known as sites of electron transport and generators of cellular ATP. Mitochondria also appear to be sites of cell survival regulation. In the process of programmed cell death, mediators of apoptosis can be released from mitochondria through disruptions in the outer mitochondrial membrane; these mediators then participate in the activation of caspases and of DNA degradation. Thus the regulation of outer mitochondrial membrane integrity is an important control point for apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family is made up of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins that can regulate cell survival, but the mechanisms by which Bcl-2 family proteins act remain controversial. Most metabolites are permeant to the outer membrane through the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC), and Bcl-2 family proteins appear to be able to regulate VDAC function. In addition, many Bcl-2 family proteins can form channels in vitro, and some pro-apoptotic members may form multimeric channels large enough to release apoptosis promoting proteins from the intermembrane space. Alternatively, Bcl-2 family proteins have been hypothesized to coordinate the permeability of both the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes through the permeability transition (PT) pore. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in cellular metabolism can lead to pro-apoptotic changes, including changes in intracellular pH, redox potential and ion transport. By regulating mitochondrial membrane physiology, Bcl-2 proteins also affect mitochondrial energy generation, and thus influence cellular bioenergetics. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1182 - 1191
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PMID:The role of the Bcl-2 family in the regulation of outer mitochondrial membrane permeability. 1117 55

Bcl-2 family proteins play a crucial role in the cytoprotective action of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) by regulating cell death signaling at the mitochondrial level. The present study examined the effect of IGF-I on the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in the rat heart mitochondria in relation to myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Systemic IGF-I (1 mg) treatment in the rat increased Bcl-xL and attenuated Bax 12-24 h later in the heart mitochondria fraction. Permeability transition and cytochrome c release occurred in a Ca(2+) concentration-dependent manner in the vehicle-treated mitochondria. This was significantly inhibited by the IGF-I-pretreatment. Moreover, ATP synthesis was significantly greater in the IGF-I-pretreated mitochondria. IGF-I pretreatment 24 h before 25 min of global ischemia in the isolated rat heart model significantly improved recovery of isovolumic left ventricular function and inhibited creatine kinase release during reperfusion. This was associated with a significantly less number of terminal transferase labeling-positive myocytes and nonmyocytes 2 h after reperfusion. These results suggest that IGF-1 differentially regulates Bcl-xL and Bax in heart mitochondria, which may be causally related to myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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PMID:IGF-I differentially regulates Bcl-xL and Bax and confers myocardial protection in the rat heart. 1117 63

Focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) is the predominant glomerular lesion in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy. Initial mesangial cell hyperplasia and subsequent hypoplasia are common features of FGS. In the present study we evaluated the effect of HIV-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 on human mesangial cell (HMC) growth. HIV-1 gp 120 stimulated HMC proliferation at lower concentrations, whereas it suppressed cell proliferation at higher concentrations. In parallel to the modulation of cell growth, gp 120 at low concentrations resulted in an increase in the expression of c-Myc, Max, and 14-3-3epsilon proteins and phosphorylation of ATP-dependent tyrosine kinases (Akt) at Ser(473). However, the expression of these proteins decreased with increasing concentrations of gp 120. Furthermore, gp 120 also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of Akt phosphorylation at Ser-473 without any significant alteration of Akt expression. Little or no effects of gp 120 were observed on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-ERK, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins. At a higher concentration, gp 120 not only promoted HMC apoptosis but also enhanced expression of Fas and FasL. These results suggest that HIV-1 gp 120 induces alterations in conflicting survival signaling pathways that contribute to the potential dual effects of gp 120 in promoting or inhibiting HMC proliferation.
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PMID:Role of 14-3-3epsilon, c-Myc/Max, and Akt phosphorylation in HIV-1 gp 120-induced mesangial cell proliferation. 1120 9

JP-8 induces apoptosis in rat lung epithelial cells, primary mouse T lymphocytes, Jurkat T lymphoma cells, and U937 monocytic cells (Stoica et al., 2001). Here, we have observed a different mechanism of cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes grown in culture as well as when grafted onto nude mice. At lower levels of JP-8 (80 microg/ml; 1 x 10(-4) dilution), sufficient to induce apoptosis in other cell types, including lung epithelial cells (Stoica et al., 2001), no apoptosis was observed. At higher levels (>200 microg/ml; 2.5 x 10(-4) dilution), JP-8 is cytotoxic to both primary and immortalized human keratinocytes, as evidenced by the metabolism of calcein, as well as by morphological changes such as cell rounding and cell detachment. There was no evidence of activation of caspases-3, -7, or -8 either by enzyme activity or immunoblot analysis, and the stable expression of a dominant-negative inhibitor of apoptosis (FADD-DN) did not increase the survival of keratinocytes to JP-8. The pattern of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage was also characteristic of necrosis. PARP has been also been implicated in necrosis via its ability to lower levels of ATP in damaged cells. However, fibroblasts derived from PARP-/- mice underwent necrotic cell death similar to those derived from PARP+/+ mice, indicating that the effects of JP-8 are independent of PARP. Immunoblot analysis further revealed that exposure of keratinocytes to the toxic higher levels of JP-8 markedly downregulates the expression of the prosurvival members of the Bcl-2 family, Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L), and upregulates the expression of antisurvival members of this family, including Bad and Bak. Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) have been shown to preserve mitochondrial integrity and suppress cell death. In contrast, Bak and Bad both promote cell death by alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential, in part by heterodimerization with and inactivation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L), and either inducing necrosis or activating a downstream caspase program. High intrinsic levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) may prevent apoptotic death of keratinocytes at lower levels of JP-8, while perturbation of the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members at higher levels may ultimately play a role in necrotic cell death in human keratinocytes. Finally, when human keratinocytes were grafted to form a human epidermis on nude mice, treatment of these grafts with JP-8 revealed cytotoxicity and altered histology in vivo.
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PMID:Mechanisms of JP-8 jet fuel cell toxicity. II. Induction of necrosis in skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes and modulation of levels of Bcl-2 family members. 1122 86


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