Functional linkage between NOXA and Bim in mitochondrial apoptotic events

J Biol Chem. 2007 Jun 1;282(22):16223-31. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M611186200. Epub 2007 Mar 20.

Abstract

NOXA is a BH3-only protein whose expression is induced by certain p53-depenent or independent apoptotic stimuli. Both NOXA and Bim are avid binders of Mcl-1, but a functional linkage between these BH3-only proteins has not yet been reported. In this study, we demonstrate that Mcl-1 binding of endogenously induced NOXA interferes with the ability of Mcl-1 to efficiently sequester endogenous Bim, as Bim is displaced from its complex with Mcl-1. Induced NOXA significantly enhances the UV sensitivity of cells, and the ensuing mitochondrial depolarization is entirely abrogated by Bim knockdown. These results demonstrate a Mcl-1-mediated cross-talk between endogenous NOXA and Bim that occurs upstream of the Bak/Bax-dependent execution of UV-induced mitochondrial depolarization. The current findings demonstrate that the mitochondrial response to an induced expression of NOXA is executed by endogenous Bim and suggest a plausible mechanism for the observed NOXA-Bim linkage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / genetics
  • Apoptosis* / genetics
  • Apoptosis* / radiation effects
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Binding / radiation effects
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / biosynthesis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / genetics
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / metabolism
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / genetics
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BAK1 protein, human
  • BAX protein, human
  • BCL2L11 protein, human
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • PMAIP1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein