Bax translocation to mitochondria subsequent to a rapid loss of mitochondrial membrane potential

Bax, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, is a cytosolic protein that inserts into mitochondrial membranes upon induction of cell death. Using the green fluorescent protein fused to Bax (GFP-Bax) to quantitate mitochondrial binding in living cells we have investigated the cause of Bax associa...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Smaili, Soraya Soubhi [UNIFESP], Hsu, Y. T., Sanders, K. M., Russel, J. T., Youle, R. J.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2001
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNIFESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unifesp.br:11600/26609
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4400889
http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/26609
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:mitochondria
Bax
mitochondrial membrane potential
mitochondrial inhibitors
Descripción
Sumario:Bax, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, is a cytosolic protein that inserts into mitochondrial membranes upon induction of cell death. Using the green fluorescent protein fused to Bax (GFP-Bax) to quantitate mitochondrial binding in living cells we have investigated the cause of Bax association with mitochondria and the time course relative to endogenous and induced changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi (m)). We have found that staurosporine (STS) induces a loss in Delta Psi (m) before GFP-Bax translocation can be measured. the onset of the Delta Psi (m) loss is followed by a rapid and complete collapse of Delta Psi (m) which is followed by Bax association with mitochondria. the mitochondria uncoupler FCCP, in the presence of the F-1-F-0 ATPase inhibitor oligomycin, can trigger Bax translocation to mitochondria suggesting that when ATP levels are maintained a collapse of Delta Psi (m) induces Bax translocation. Neither FCCP nor oligomycin alone alters Bax location. Bax association with mitochondria is also triggered by inhibitors of the electron transport chain, antimycin and rotenone, compounds that collapse Delta Psi (m) without inducing rapid ATP hydrolysis that typically occurs with uncouplers such as FCCP. Taken together, our results suggest that alterations in mitochondrial energization associated with apoptosis can initiate Bax docking to mitochondria.