Bim mediates mitochondria-regulated particulate matter-induced apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells

FEBS Lett. 2007 Sep 4;581(22):4148-52. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.07.080. Epub 2007 Aug 14.

Abstract

We studied the role of Bim, a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family member in Airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5 microm)-induced apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). PM induced AEC apoptosis by causing significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP-1 activation. PM upregulated pro-apoptotic protein Bim and enhanced translocation of Bim to the mitochondria. ShRNABim blocked PM-induced apoptosis by preventing activation of the mitochondrial death pathway suggesting a role of Bim in the regulation of mitochondrial pathway in AEC. Accordingly, we provide the evidence that Bim mediates PM-induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / genetics
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Cattle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Particulate Matter / pharmacology*
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / cytology*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / drug effects
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BCL2L11 protein, human
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Bcl2l11 protein, rat
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Particulate Matter
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases