Abstract
Recent studies have identified a number of cell death pathway components. In this study, we describe the role that two such components, Bik and Bak, play in initiating the apoptotic program. These Bcl-2 family members engage the death pathway downstream of the block imposed by the serpin CrmA, but upstream of the block initiated by cellular inhibitors of apoptosis, which are a family of molecules characterized by a conserved baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis repeat motif. Distal death pathway components activated by Bik and Bak are similar to those activated by the CD-95 (Fas/Apo1) and tumor necrosis factor death receptors.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
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Apoptosis* / drug effects
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Apoptosis* / genetics
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Caspase 7
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Caspases*
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Cysteine Endopeptidases / metabolism
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Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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Enzyme Activation
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Humans
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Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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Models, Biological
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Proteins / metabolism*
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Serpins / genetics
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Serpins / metabolism*
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Viral Proteins / pharmacology*
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein
Substances
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
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BAK1 protein, human
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BIK protein, human
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Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
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Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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Proteins
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Serpins
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Viral Proteins
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein
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inhibitor of apoptosis, Nucleopolyhedrovirus
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interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme inhibitor
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CASP7 protein, human
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Caspase 7
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Caspases
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Cysteine Endopeptidases