Mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) function triggers a Bax/Bak-dependent bystander effect.

ABSTRACT: Collateral spread of apoptosis to nearby cells is referred to as the bystander effect, a process that is integral to tissue homeostasis and a challenge to anticancer therapies. In many systems, apoptosis relies on permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane to factors such as cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO. This permeabilization occurs via formation of a mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) and was mimicked here by single-cell microinjection of cytochrome c into Xenopus laevis embryos. Waves of apoptosis were observed in vivo from the injected to the neighboring cells. This finding indicates that a death signal generated downstream of cytochrome c release diffused to neighboring cells and ultimately killed the animals. The role of MAC in bystander effects was then assessed

SUBMITTER: Peixoto PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3070563 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature