Loss of splicing factor ASF/SF2 induces G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, but inhibits internucleosomal DNA fragmentation.

ABSTRACT: ASF/SF2 is an SR protein splicing factor that participates in constitutive and alternative pre-mRNA splicing and is essential for cell viability. Using a genetically modified chicken B-cell line, DT40-ASF, we now show that ASF/SF2 inactivation results in a G2-phase cell cycle arrest and subsequent programmed cell death. However, although several hallmarks of apoptosis are apparent, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was not detected. Furthermore, inactivation of ASF/SF2 also blocks DNA fragmentation normally induced by a variety of apoptotic stimuli. Notably, mRNA encoding the inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase-L (ICAD-L), which acts as an inhibitor as well as a chaperone of caspase-activated DNase (CAD), decreased in abundance, whereas the level of mRNA encoding ICAD-S, which has only i

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1283963 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature