Involvement of Fas Signalling in 7β-Hydroxycholesterol-and Cholesterol-5β,6β-Epoxide-Induced Apoptosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinéad Lordan ◽  
John J. Mackrill ◽  
Nora M. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Wall ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Death Receptor ◽  
Critical Event ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

The induction of apoptosis in cells of the arterial wall is a critical event in the development of atheroma. 7 β-Hydroxycholesterol (7 β-OH) and cholesterol-5 β,6 β-epoxide ( β-epoxide) are components of oxLDL and have previously been shown to be potent inducers of apoptosis. However, the exact mechanisms through which these oxysterols induce apoptosis remains to be fully elucidated. The specific interaction of the Fas death receptor with Fas ligand (FasL) initiates a caspase cascade culminating in apoptosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the involvement of Fas signalling in 7 β-OH- and β-epoxide-induced apoptosis. To this end we employed the Fas/FasL antagonist, Kp7-6, and examined the effect of Fas inhibition on oxysterol-induced cell death in U937 cells. Fas levels were increased following 24 h exposure to 30 μM 7 β-OH while treatment with 30 μM β-epoxide had no effect. Kp7-6 reduced the Fas content of 7 β-OH-treated cells to control levels and partially protected against 7 β-OH-induced apoptosis. This coincided with a decrease in cytochrome c release along with a reduction in caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity. Our data implicate Fas signalling in the apoptotic pathway induced by 7 β-OH and also highlight differences between apoptosis induced by 7 β-OH and β-epoxide.

Identification of apoptotic genes mediating TGF-β/Smad3-induced cell death in intestinal epithelial cells using a genomic approach

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. G28-G38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanna Cao ◽  
Lu Chen ◽  
Weili Zhang ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
Harry T. Papaconstantinou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Genomic Approach ◽  
Apoptotic Genes ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-dependent apoptosis is important in the elimination of damaged or abnormal cells from normal tissues in vivo. Previously, we have shown that TGF-β inhibits the growth of rat intestinal epithelial (RIE)-1 cells. However, RIE-1 cells are relatively resistant to TGF-β-induced apoptosis due to a low endogenous Smad3-to-Akt ratio. Overexpression of Smad3 sensitizes RIE-1 cells (RIE-1/Smad3) to TGF-β-induced apoptosis by altering the Smad3-to-Akt ratio in favor of apoptosis. In this study, we utilized a genomic approach to identify potential downstream target genes that are regulated by TGF-β/Smad3. Total RNA samples were analyzed using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays. We found that TGF-β regulated 518 probe sets corresponding to its target genes. Interestingly, among the known apoptotic genes included in the microarray analyses, only caspase-3 was induced, which was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, TGF-β activated caspase-3 through protein cleavage. Upstream of caspase-3, TGF-β induced mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c release, and cleavage of caspase-9, which suggests that the intrinsic apoptotic pathway mediates TGF-β-induced apoptosis in RIE-1/Smad3 cells.

Acquired Resistance to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis- Inducing Ligand (TRAIL): Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Resensitize TRAIL-Resistant Jurkat Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 5032-5032
Author(s):  
Pavel Klener ◽  
Jan Molinsky ◽  
Tereza Simonova ◽  
Emanuel Necas ◽  
Ladislav Andera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Deacetylase ◽  
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Death Receptor ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Jurkat Cells ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Disc Formation

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL or Apo2L) is a death-ligand from the TNF family. TRAIL induces programmed cell death by the cell-extrinsic p53-independent apoptotic pathway. A potential of TRAIL as cancer-specific therapeutic agent has been proposed and is preclinically and clinically tested. Development of TRAIL-resistant clones in the TRAIL-sensitive tumor cells may be a serious complication of TRAIL based cancer therapy. Jurkat acute lymphocytic leukemia cells are sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, as well as other apoptosis inducing ligands from TNF family, Fas and TNF-alpha. Jurkat cells express only one of the four receptors for TRAIL, death receptor 5 (DR5). Prolonged exposure of TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells to recombinant soluble TRAIL (1000 ng/mL) resulted in the establishment of three TRAIL-resistant (TR) Jurkat cell subclones, Jurkat TR1, TR2, and TR3. The Jurkat TR subclones were also resistant to TNF-alpha and Fas ligand, suggesting disruption of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. TRAIL-resistant subclone TR1, but not TR2 and TR3, demonstrated decreased susceptibility to undergo apoptosis in response to histone-deacetylase inhibitors, valproic acid (VA), sodium butyrate (SB) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and was resistant to fludarabine. Flow cytometry analysis showed Jurkat TR subclones had unchanged expression of cell surface death receptor DR5, Fas, and receptors for TNF-alpha, TNF-R1 and TNF-R2, compared to TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells. Analysis of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation by immunoprecipitation (anti-TRAIL, anti-DR5) and subsequent western blotting (anti-caspase 8, anti-FADD) clearly demonstrated that the DISC formation in response to TRAIL binding to DR5 was significantly decreased in subclones TR2 and TR3, but remained unchanged in subclone TR1 compared to TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells. To gain further insight into potential molecular aletarations associated with acquired TRAIL resistance of Jurkat subclones, we measured gene expression of several key apoptotic regulators, including receptors for TRAIL, cFLIP, BCL2 family, IAP family, HSP family members in TRAIL-resistant and TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells and did not detect any significant (>2-fold) change. These results suggest acquired TRAIL resistance of Jurkat cells might be mediated by changes on the protein rather than mRNA level. We analyzed whether the TRAIL-resistant Jurkat cells could be resensitized to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by pretreatment with diverse inhibitors of important prosurvival pathways, including inhibitors of proteosynthesis (cycloheximid), inhibitors of transcription (actinomycin D), NFkB inhibitors (bortezomib, SN-50), PI3K-Akt-mTOR inhibitors (rapamycine, LY294002, Hsp90 inhibitor (17-AAG), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (roscovitine), casein kinase II inhibitors (DRB), or histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi: SAHA, VA, SB). Pretreatment with HDAC inhibitors for 12 hour was able to resensitize all three TRAIL-resistant Jurkat subclones to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The percentage of apoptotic cells of HDACi-pretreated subclones was 70–95% 24 h after the exposure to TRAIL compared to 5–15% apoptosis for HDACi-untreated TRAIL-exposed controls, and to 10–15% apoptosis for HDACi-treated TRAIL unexposed controls. We established TRAIL-resistant subclones from the original TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells. Acquired resistance to TRAIL was not mediated by downregulation of TRAIL death receptor DR5 and was associated with (cross)resistance to TNFa and Fas ligand, suggesting disruption of cell-extrinsic apoptotic pathway. We assume diverse molecular mechanisms were involved in the development of TRAIL-resistant subclones upon exposure to TRAIL, as exemplified by disrupted formation of DISC in case of subclones TR2 and TR3 and normal DISC formation and fludarabine resistance in subclone TR1, suggesting deregulated apoptotic pathway downstream of DISC. Finally, we observed that HDACi resensitized the TRAIL-resistant subclones to TRAIL. The results provide substantiation for combinatorial approaches in the potential TRAIL-based therapies of hematological malignancies.

Inhibition of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in metallothionein-overexpressing cardiomyocytes

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (5) ◽  
pp. H2292-H2299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guang-Wu Wang ◽  
Zhanxiang Zhou ◽  
Jon B. Klein ◽  
Y. James Kang
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Fetal Bovine ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Hypoxia Reoxygenation

To study possible mechanisms for metallothionein (MT) inhibition of ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury, cardiomyocytes isolated from MT-overexpressing transgenic neonatal mouse hearts and nontransgenic controls were subjected to 4 h of hypoxia (5% CO2-95% N2, glucose-free modified Tyrode's solution) followed by 1 h of reoxygenation in MEM + 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (5% CO2-95% air), and cytochrome c-mediated caspase-3 activation apoptotic pathway was determined. Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed in MT-overexpressing cardiomyocytes, as measured by both terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling and annexin V-FITC binding. In association with apoptosis, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, as determined by Western blot, was observed to occur in nontransgenic cardiomyocytes. Correspondingly, caspase-3 was activated as determined by laser confocal microscopic examination with the use of FITC-conjugated antibody against active caspase-3 and by enzymatic assay. The activation of this apoptotic pathway was significantly inhibited in MT-overexpressing cells, as evidenced by both suppression of cytochrome c release and inhibition of caspase-3 activation. The results demonstrate that MT suppresses hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through, at least in part, inhibition of cytochrome c-mediated caspase-3 activation.

CD44 Ligation Induces Apoptosis Via Caspase- and Serine Protease-Dependent Pathways in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4432-4432
Author(s):  
Eliane Maquarre ◽  
Cedric Artus ◽  
Zeineb Gadhoum ◽  
Claude Jasmin ◽  
Florence Smadja-Joffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serine Protease ◽  
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Death Receptor ◽  
Promyelocytic Leukemia ◽  
Caspase 8 ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Nb4 Cells ◽  
Effector Caspase ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Abstract We have recently reported that ligation of the CD44 cell surface antigen with A3D8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) triggers incomplete differentiation and apoptosis of the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)-derived NB4 cells. The present study characterizes the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effect of A3D8 in NB4 cells. We show that A3D8 induces activation of both initiator caspase -8 and -9, and effector caspase-3 and -7 but only inhibition of caspase-3/7 and caspase-8 reduces A3D8-induced apoptosis. Moreover, A3D8 induces mitochondrial alterations (decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm and cytochrome c release) which are reduced by caspase-8 inhibitor suggesting that caspase-8 is primarily involved in A3D8-induced apoptosis of NB4 cells. However, the apoptotic process is independent of TNF-family death receptor signalling. Interestingly, the general serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF) decreases A3D8-induced apoptosis and when combined with general caspase inhibitor displays an additive effect resulting in complete prevention of apoptosis. These results suggest that both caspase-dependent and serine protease-dependent pathways contribute to A3D8-induced apoptosis. Finally, A3D8 induces apoptosis in ATRA-resistant NB4-derived cells and in APL primary blasts, characterizing the A3D8 anti-CD44 mAb as a novel class of apoptosis-inducing agent in APL.

Involvement of Calcium in 7β-Hydroxycholesterol and Cholesterol-5β,6β-Epoxide-Induced Apoptosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ryan ◽  
Y. C. O’Callaghan ◽  
N. M. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Signaling ◽  
Arterial Wall ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Critical Event ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is believed to play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis. The induction of apoptosis in cells of the arterial wall is a critical event in the development of atheroma. 7β-Hydroxycholesterol (7 β-OH) and cholesterol-5 β,6 β-epoxide ( β-epoxide) are components of oxLDL and have previously been shown to be potent inducers of apoptosis. The exact mechanism through which these oxysterols induce apoptosis remains to be fully elucidated. A perturbation of intra-cellular calcium homeostasis has been found to trigger apoptosis in many experimental systems. The aim of the present study was to determine the involvement of calcium signaling in 7 β-OH and β-epoxide–induced apoptosis. To this end, the authors employed the calcium channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine and inhibitors of calpain activation, ALLM and ALLN. Verapamil protected against the decrease in viability induced by 7 β-OH whereas nifedipine had a protective effect in both 7 β-OH and β-epoxide–treated cells, though these compounds did not restore viability to control levels. Verapamil, nifedipine, and ALLM prevented apoptosis induced by β-epoxide. None of the compounds employed in the current study protected against 7 β-OH–induced apoptosis. Our results implicate calcium signaling in the apoptotic pathway induced by β-epoxide and also highlight differences between apoptosis induced by 7 β-OH and β-epoxide.

scholarly journals d,l-Methadone causes leukemic cell apoptosis via an OPRM1-triggered increase in IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release and decrease in Ca2+ efflux, elevating [Ca2+]i

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
JungKwon Lee ◽  
Jesusa L. Rosales ◽  
Hee-Guk Byun ◽  
Ki-Young Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Leukemic Cell ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Cytochrome C Release ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Specific Target ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

AbstractThe search continues for improved therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (aLL), the most common malignancy in children. Recently, d,l-methadone was put forth as sensitizer for aLL chemotherapy. However, the specific target of d,l-methadone in leukemic cells and the mechanism by which it induces leukemic cell apoptosis remain to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that d,l-methadone induces leukemic cell apoptosis through activation of the mu1 subtype of opioid receptors (OPRM1). d,l-Methadone evokes IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release that is inhibited by OPRM1 loss. In addition, the rate of Ca2+ extrusion following d,l-methadone treatment is reduced, but is accelerated by loss of OPRM1. These d,l-methadone effects cause a lethal rise in [Ca2+]i that is again inhibited by OPRM1 loss, which then prevents d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis that is associated with activation of calpain-1, truncation of Bid, cytochrome C release, and proteolysis of caspase-3/12. Chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM reverses d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis, establishing a link between the rise in [Ca2+]i and d,l-methadone-induced apoptosis. Altogether, our findings point to OPRM1 as a specific target of d,l-methadone in leukemic cells, and that OPRM1 activation by d,l-methadone disrupts IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release and rate of Ca2+ efflux, causing a rise in [Ca2+]i that upregulates the calpain-1-Bid-cytochrome C-caspase-3/12 apoptotic pathway.

scholarly journals Murine DX5+NKT Cells Display Their Cytotoxic and Proapoptotic Potentials against Colitis-Inducing CD4+CD62Lhigh T Cells through Fas Ligand

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens M. Werner ◽  
Michael Damian ◽  
Stefan A. Farkas ◽  
Hans J. Schlitt ◽  
Edward K. Geissler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Nkt Cells ◽  
Proliferation Index ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis

Introduction. It has been previously shown that immunoregulatory DX5+NKT cells are able to prevent colitis induced by CD4+CD62Lhigh T lymphocytes in a SCID mouse model. The aim of this study was to further investigate the underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods. CD4+CD62Lhigh and DX5+NKT cells from the spleen of Balb/c mice were isolated first by MACS, followed by FACS sorting and cocultured for up to 96 h. After polyclonal stimulation with anti-CD3, anti-CD28, and IL-2, proliferation of CD4+CD62Lhigh cells was assessed using a CFSE assay and activity of proapoptotic caspase-3 was determined by intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Extrinsic apoptotic pathway was blocked using an unconjugated antibody against FasL, and activation of caspase-3 was measured. Results. As previously shown in vivo, DX5+NKT cells inhibit proliferation of CD4+CD62Lhigh cells in vitro after 96 h coculture compared to a CD4+CD62Lhigh monoculture (proliferation index: 1.39 ± 0.07 vs. 1.76 ± 0.12; P=0.0079). The antiproliferative effect of DX5+NKT cells was likely due to an induction of apoptosis in CD4+CD62Lhigh cells as evidenced by increased activation of the proapoptotic caspase-3 after 48 h (38 ± 3% vs. 28 ± 3%; P=0.0451). Furthermore, DX5+NKT cells after polyclonal stimulation showed an upregulation of FasL on their cell surface (15 ± 2% vs. 2 ± 1%; P=0.0286). Finally, FasL was blocked on DX5+NKT cells, and therefore, the extrinsic apoptotic pathway abrogated the activation of caspase-3 in CD4+CD62Lhigh cells. Conclusion. Collectively, these data confirmed that DX5+NKT cells inhibit proliferation of colitis-inducing CD4+CD62Lhigh cells by induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, DX5+NKT cells likely mediate their cytotoxic and proapoptotic potentials via FasL, confirming recent reports about iNKT cells. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the therapeutical potential of these immunoregulatory cells in patients with colitis.

4-Acetyl-12,13-Epoxyl-9-Trichothecene-3,15-Diol from Isaria japonica Mediates Apoptosis of Rat Bladder Carcinoma NBT-II Cells by Decreasing Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 Expression and Increasing Pro-apoptotic Bax Expression

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (03) ◽  
pp. 377-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung-Jin Kim ◽  
Seon Il Jang ◽  
Young-Jun Kim ◽  
Hyun-Ock Pae ◽  
Hae-Young Won ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Bladder Carcinoma ◽  
Cytotoxic Effect ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Rat Bladder ◽  
Apoptotic Protein ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

We studied the effect of 4-acetyl-12,13-epoxyl-9-trichothecene-3,15-diol (AETD) isolated from Isaria japonica, one of the most popular Chinese fungal medicines, on the induction of apoptosis in rat bladder carcinoma NBT-II cells. AETD was cytotoxic to NBT-II cells, and this cytotoxic effect appears to be attributed to its induction of apoptotic cell death, as AETD induced nuclear morphological changes and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and increased the proportion of hypodiploid cells and activity of caspase-3. AETD treatment also decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. These results provide important information in understanding the mechanism(s) of AETD-induced apoptosis.

scholarly journals Salmonella-Induced Caspase-2 Activation in Macrophages

2000 ◽  
Vol 192 (7) ◽  
pp. 1035-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Jesenberger ◽  
Katarzyna J. Procyk ◽  
Junying Yuan ◽  
Siegfried Reipert ◽  
Manuela Baccarini
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Chemical Inhibition ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Caspase 2 ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

The enterobacterial pathogen Salmonella induces phagocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These bacteria use a specialized type III secretion system to export a virulence factor, SipB, which directly activates the host's apoptotic machinery by targeting caspase-1. Caspase-1 is not involved in most apoptotic processes but plays a major role in cytokine maturation. We show that caspase-1–deficient macrophages undergo apoptosis within 4–6 h of infection with invasive bacteria. This process requires SipB, implying that this protein can initiate the apoptotic machinery by regulating components distinct from caspase-1. Invasive Salmonella typhimurium targets caspase-2 simultaneously with, but independently of, caspase-1. Besides caspase-2, the caspase-1–independent pathway involves the activation of caspase-3, -6, and -8 and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, none of which occurs during caspase-1–dependent apoptosis. By using caspase-2 knockout macrophages and chemical inhibition, we establish a role for caspase-2 in both caspase-1–dependent and –independent apoptosis. Particularly, activation of caspase-1 during fast Salmonella-induced apoptosis partially relies on caspase-2. The ability of Salmonella to induce caspase-1–independent macrophage apoptosis may play a role in situations in which activation of this protease is either prevented or uncoupled from the induction of apoptosis.

scholarly journals Matrix Protein and Another Viral Component Contribute to Induction of Apoptosis in Cells Infected with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (24) ◽  
pp. 12169-12181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Kopecky ◽  
Mark C. Willingham ◽  
Douglas S. Lyles
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Host Gene ◽  
M Protein ◽  
Host Gene Expression ◽  
Bhk Cells ◽  
Viral Component ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Viral Components

ABSTRACT The induction of apoptosis in host cells is a prominent cytopathic effect of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. The viral matrix (M) protein is responsible for several important cytopathic effects, including the inhibition of host gene expression and the induction of cell rounding in VSV-infected cells. This raises the question of whether M protein is also involved in the induction of apoptosis. HeLa or BHK cells were transfected with M mRNA to determine whether M protein induces apoptosis when expressed in the absence of other viral components. Expression of M protein induced apoptotic morphological changes and activated caspase-3 in both cell types, indicating that M protein induces apoptosis in the absence of other viral components. An M protein containing a point mutation that renders it defective in the inhibition of host gene expression (M51R mutation) activated little, if any, caspase-3, while a deletion mutant lacking amino acids 4 to 21 that is defective in the virus assembly function but fully functional in the inhibition of host gene expression was as effective as wild-type (wt) M protein in activating caspase-3. To determine whether M protein influences the induction of apoptosis in the context of a virus infection, the M51R M protein mutation was incorporated onto a wt background by using a recombinant infectious cDNA clone (rM51R-M virus). The timing of the induction of apoptosis by rM51R-M virus was compared to that by the corresponding recombinant wt (rwt) virus and to that by tsO82 virus, the mutant virus in which the M51R mutation was originally identified. In HeLa cells, rwt virus induced apoptosis faster than did rM51R-M virus, demonstrating a role for M protein in the induction of apoptosis. In contrast to the results obtained with HeLa cells, rwt virus induced apoptosis more slowly than did rM51R-M virus in BHK cells. This indicates that a viral component other than M protein contributes to induction of apoptosis in BHK cells and that wt M protein acts to delay induction of apoptosis by the other viral component. tsO82 virus induced apoptosis more rapidly than did rM51R-M virus in both HeLa and BHK cells. These two viruses contain the same point mutation in their M proteins, suggesting that sequence differences in genes other than that for M protein affect their rates of induction of apoptosis.

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