scholarly journals The Calcineurin Pathway Inhibitor Tacrolimus Enhances the In Vitro Activity of Azoles against Mucorales via Apoptosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1225-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Shirazi ◽  
D. P. Kontoyiannis
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Rhizopus Oryzae ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Calcineurin Pathway

ABSTRACT The calcineurin pathway regulates antifungal drug resistance and the virulence of several major human-pathogenic fungi, including the recalcitrant Mucorales . We hypothesized that the fungistatic triazoles posaconazole (PCZ) and itraconazole (ICZ) become fungicidal in the setting of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TCR) and that such an effect is mediated through apoptosis. Fungicidal activity and apoptosis were studied using standard microbiological techniques and hyphal metabolic and vital dye reduction assays at 37°C in RPMI 1640. Apoptosis was characterized by detecting intracellular Ca 2+ , phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, DNA fragmentation, plasma membrane integrity, chromatin condensation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, caspase-like activity, ATP, and cytochrome c release. MICs for PCZ and ICZ alone were significantly higher (8 to 128 μg/ml) than those of PCZ or ICZ plus TCR (0.25 to 4 μg/ml) for Rhizopus oryzae , Cunninghamella bertholletiae , and Mucor circinelloides . Both PCZ and ICZ in combination with TCR became fungicidal, and their activity was mediated through increased apoptotic cell death of R. oryzae (10 to 50%), C. bertholletiae (5 to 50%), and M. circinelloides (5 to 55%) germlings, with morphological apoptotic changes characterized by externalization of PS, nuclear condensation, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, activation of the caspase-like activity was correlated with cell death induced by TCR plus PCZ or ICZ. These changes correlated with elevated intracellular Ca 2+ and ROS levels and disturbance of mitochondrial potential. We found that PCZ or ICZ in combination with TCR renders Mucorales sensitive to triazoles via apoptotic death. These observations could serve as a new paradigm for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals Apoptosis and Necrosis after Reversible Focal Ischemia: An in Situ DNA Fragmentation Analysis

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Charriaut-Marlangue ◽  
I. Margaill ◽  
A. Represa ◽  
T. Popovici ◽  
M. Plotkine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Focal Ischemia ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Ischemic Lesion ◽  
In Cells

Apoptosis is one of the two forms of cell death and occurs under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Cells undergoing apoptotic cell death reveal a characteristic sequence of cytological alterations including membrane blebbing and nuclear and cytoplasmic condensation. Early activation of an endonuclease has been previously demonstrated after a transient focal ischemia in the rat brain ( Charriaut-Marlangue C, Margaill I, Plotkine M, Ben-Ari Y (1995) Early endonuclease activation following reversible focal ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 15:385–388). We now show that a significant number of striatal and cortical neurons exhibited chromatin condensation, nucleus segmentation, and apoptotic bodies increasing with recirculation time, as demonstrated by in situ labeling of DNA breaks in cryostat sections. Apoptotic nuclei were also detected in the horizontal limb diagonal band, accumbens nucleus and islands of Calleja. Several necrotic neurons, in which random DNA fragmentation occurs, were also shown at 6 h recirculation, in the ischemic core. Further investigation with hematoxylin/eosin staining revealed that apoptotic nuclei were present in cells with a large and swelled cytoplasm and in cells with an apparently well-preserved cytoplasm. These two types of cell death were reminiscent of those described in developmental cell death. Our data suggested that apoptosis may contribute to the expansion of the ischemic lesion.

scholarly journals Curcumin induces cell death without oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells.

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Magalska ◽  
Agnieszka Brzezinska ◽  
Anna Bielak-Zmijewska ◽  
Katarzyna Piwocka ◽  
Grazyna Mosieniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Human Lymphocytes ◽  
Dna Degradation ◽  
Cd8 Cells

Cytotoxic CD8+ cells play an important role in determining host response to tumor, thus chemotherapy is potentially dangerous as it may lead to T cells depletion. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the propensity of quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells to undergo cell death upon treatment with curcumin, a natural dye in Phase I of clinical trials as a prospective chemopreventive agent. We treated human quiescent or proliferating CD8+ cells with 50 microM curcumin or irradiated them with UVC. Cell death symptoms such as decreased cell viability, chromatin condensation, activation of caspase-3 and specific DFF40/CAD endonuclease and oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation were analyzed using MTT test, microscopic observation, Western blotting and flow cytometry. Curcumin decreased cell viability, activated caspase-3 and decreased the level of DFF45/ICAD, the inhibitor of the DFF40/CAD endonuclease. However, this did not lead to oligonucleosomal DNA degradation. In contrast, UVC-irradiated proliferating, but not quiescent CD8+ cells revealed molecular and morphological changes characteristic for apoptosis, including oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Curcumin can induce cell death in normal human lymphocytes both quiescent and proliferating, without oligonucleosomal DNA degradation which is considered as a main hallmark of apoptotic cell death. Taking into account the role of CD8+ cells in tumor response, their depletion during chemotherapy could be particularly undesirable.

Quercetin in attenuation of ischemic/reperfusion injury: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Ashrafizadeh ◽  
Saeed Samarghandian ◽  
Kiavash Hushmandi ◽  
Amirhossein Zabolian ◽  
Md Shahinozzaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Blood Supply ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Cell Membrane Integrity ◽  
Cell Membrane Disruption

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious pathologic event that occurs due to restriction in blood supply to an organ, followed by hypoxia. This condition leads to enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-, and stimulation of oxidative stress via enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Upon reperfusion, blood supply increases, but it deteriorates condition, and leads to generation of ROS, cell membrane disruption and finally, cell death. Plant derived-natural compounds are well-known due to their excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Quercetin is a flavonoid exclusively found in different vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This naturally occurring compound possesses different pharmacological activities making it appropriate option in disease therapy. Quercetin can also demonstrate therapeutic effects via affecting molecular pathways such as NF-B, PI3K/Akt and so on. Methods: In the present review, we demonstrate that quercetin administration is beneficial in ameliorating I/R injury via reducing ROS levels, inhibition of inflammation, and affecting molecular pathways such as TLR4/NF-B, MAPK and so on. Results and conclusion: Quercetin can improve cell membrane integrity via decreasing lipid peroxidation. Apoptotic cell death is inhibited by quercetin via down-regulation of Bax, and caspases, and upregulation of Bcl-2. Quercetin is able to modulate autophagy (inhibition/induction) in decreasing I/R injury. Nanoparticles have been applied for delivery of quercetin, enhancing its bioavailability and efficacy in alleviation of I/R injury. Noteworthy, clinical trials have also confirmed the capability of quercetin in reducing I/R injury.

scholarly journals Neurotoxic Effect of Flavonol Myricetin in the Presence of Excess Copper

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 845
Author(s):  
Anja Sadžak ◽  
Ignacija Vlašić ◽  
Zoran Kiralj ◽  
Marijana Batarelo ◽  
Nada Oršolić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Toxic Effects ◽  
Trypan Blue Exclusion ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Mtt Method ◽  
Biophysical Approach ◽  
Induced Changes

Oxidative stress (OS) induced by the disturbed homeostasis of metal ions is one of the pivotal factors contributing to neurodegeneration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of flavonoid myricetin on copper-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. As determined by the MTT method, trypan blue exclusion assay and measurement of ATP production, myricetin heightened the toxic effects of copper and exacerbated cell death. It also increased copper-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, indicating the prooxidative nature of its action. Furthermore, myricetin provoked chromatin condensation and loss of membrane integrity without caspase-3 activation, suggesting the activation of both caspase-independent programmed cell death and necrosis. At the protein level, myricetin-induced upregulation of PARP-1 and decreased expression of Bcl-2, whereas copper-induced changes in the expression of p53, p73, Bax and NME1 were not further affected by myricetin. Inhibitors of ERK1/2 and JNK kinases, protein kinase A and L-type calcium channels exacerbated the toxic effects of myricetin, indicating the involvement of intracellular signaling pathways in cell death. We also employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate the morphological and mechanical properties of SH-SY5Y cells at the nanoscale. Consistent with the cellular and molecular methods, this biophysical approach also revealed a myricetin-induced increase in cell surface roughness and reduced elasticity. Taken together, we demonstrated the adverse effects of myricetin, pointing out that caution is required when considering powerful antioxidants for adjuvant therapy in copper-related neurodegeneration.

Two steroidal saponins from Camassia cusickii induce L1210 cell death through the apoptotic mechanism

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 953-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellyawati Candra ◽  
Kimihiro Matsunaga ◽  
Hironori Fujiwara ◽  
Yoshihiro Mimaki ◽  
Yutaka Sashida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Steroidal Saponin ◽  
Steroidal Saponins ◽  
L1210 Cells

Two steroidal saponins, tigogenin hexasaccharide-1 (TGHS-1, (25R)-5α-spirostan-3β-yl 4-O-[2-O-[3-O- (α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-3-O-[4-O-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-β-D-glucopyranosyl]- β-D-galactopyranoside) and tigogenin hexasaccharide-2 (TGHS-2, (25R)-5α-spirostan-3β-yl 4-O-[2-O-[3-O- (β-D-glucopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-3-O-[4-O-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-β-D-glucopyranosyl]- β-D-galactopyranoside), were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Camassia cusickii. In murine leukemic L1210 cells, both compounds showed cytotoxicity with an EC50 value of 0.06 µM. The morphological observation revealed that TGHS-1 and TGHS-2 induced shrinkage in cell soma and chromatin condensation, suggesting apoptotic cell death. The cell death was confirmed to be apoptosis by Annexin V binding to phosphatidylserine in the cell membrane and excluding propidium iodide. A typical apoptotic DNA ladder and the cleavage of caspase-3 were observed after treatment with TGHS-1 and TGHS-2. In the presence of both the compounds, cells with sub-G1 DNA content were detected by flow cytometric analysis, indicating that TGHS-1 and TGHS-2 (each EC50 value of 0.1 µM) are the most powerful apoptotic saponins known. These results suggest that TGHS-1 and TGHS-2 induce apoptotic cell death through caspase-3 activation.Key words: steroidal saponin, tigogenin hexasaccharide, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, murine leukemic L1210 cells.

Bufalin Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells through Mitochondrial ROS and TRAIL Pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (01) ◽  
pp. 237-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
En-Yun Su ◽  
Yung-Lin Chu ◽  
Fu-Shin Chueh ◽  
Yi-Shih Ma ◽  
Shu-Fen Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Dapi Staining ◽  
Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Associated Proteins

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bufalin on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma NPC-TW 076 cells in vitro. Bufalin is a cardiotonic steroid and a key active ingredient of the Chinese medicine ChanSu. The extracts of Chansu are used for various cancer treatments in China. In the present study, bufalin induced cell morphological changes, decreased total cell viability and induced G2/M phase arrest of cell cycle in NPC-TW 076 cells. Results also indicated that bufalin induced chromatin condensation (cell apoptosis) and DNA damage by DAPI staining and comet assay, respectively. The induced apoptotic cell death was further confirmed by annexin-V/PI staining assay. In addition, bufalin also increased ROS and Ca[Formula: see text] production and decreased the levels of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the alterations of ROS, ER stress and apoptosis associated protein expressions were investigated by Western blotting. Results demonstrated that bufalin increased the expressions of ROS associated proteins, including SOD (Cu/Zn), SOD2 (Mn) and GST but decreased that of catalase. Bufalin increased ER stress associated proteins (GRP78, IRE-1[Formula: see text], IRE-1[Formula: see text], caspase-4, ATF-6[Formula: see text], Calpain 1, and GADD153). Bufalin increased the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, and apoptotic associated proteins (cytochrome c, caspase-3, -8 and -9, AIF and Endo G) but reduced anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in NPC-TW 076 cells. Furthermore, bufalin elevated the expressions of TRAIL-pathway associated proteins (TRAIL, DR4, DR5, and FADD). Based on these findings, we suggest bufalin induced apoptotic cell death via caspase-dependent, mitochondria-dependent and TRAIL pathways in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma NPC-TW 076 cells.

Redistribution of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine precedes reperfusion-induced apoptosis

1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (1) ◽  
pp. H242-H248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilanjana Maulik ◽  
Valerian E. Kagan ◽  
Vladimir A. Tyurin ◽  
Dipak K. Das
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Dna Laddering ◽  
Outer Leaflet ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Although cardiomyocyte death and infarction associated with ischemia-reperfusion are traditionally believed to be induced via necrosis, recent studies implicated apoptotic cell death in ischemic reperfused tissue. To examine whether myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury is mediated by apoptotic cell death, isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to 15 and 30 min of ischemia as well as 15 min of ischemia followed by 30, 90, or 120 min of reperfusion. At the end of each experiment, hearts were processed for the evaluation of apoptosis and DNA laddering. Apoptosis was studied by visualizing the apoptotic cardiomyocytes by direct fluorescence detection of digoxigenin-labeled genomic DNA using APOPTAG in situ apoptosis detection kit. DNA laddering was evaluated by subjecting the DNA obtained from cardiomyocytes to 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis and photographed under ultraviolet illumination. In addition, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) of aminophospholipids labeled with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonate was performed to evaluate phospholipid topography in cardiomyocytes. The results of our study revealed apoptotic cells only in the 90- and 120-min reperfused hearts as demonstrated by the intense fluorescence of the immunostained digoxigenin-labeled genomic DNA when observed under fluorescence microscope. None of the ischemic hearts showed any evidence of apoptosis. These results corroborated with the findings of DNA fragmentation that showed increased ladders of DNA bands in the 120-min reperfused hearts, representing integer multiples of the internucleosomal DNA length (∼180 bp). Two-dimensional HPTLC of the phospholipids obtained from the cardiomyocytes and transbilayer organization of the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) in the myocytes indicated translocation of both PE and PS from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet of the membrane as early as after 20 min of ischemia. These results demonstrate that the redistribution of PS and PE precedes the apototic cell death and DNA fragmentation associated with the reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, suggesting that ischemia may trigger the signal for apoptosis although it becomes evident during reperfusion.

Molecular characterization of rabbit CPP32 and its function in vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis

1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (4) ◽  
pp. H1132-H1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
He Wang ◽  
Joan A. Keiser
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Degenerate Primers ◽  
Conserved Sequence

Vascular remodeling in atherogenesis is marked not only by cellular proliferation and migration but is also impacted by apoptotic cell death. Extensive studies have focused on the signal transduction events leading to apoptosis. CPP32, a member of the caspase/interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE) protease family, has emerged as a central player in several reports of apoptosis pathways. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) undergo apoptosis after treatment with various stimuli, including nitric oxide (NO) donors, such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.1–1 mM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of CPP32 in SNP-induced apoptosis of SMC. We isolated a rabbit CPP32 cDNA by using degenerate primers and polymerase chain reaction technique. The predicted protein encoded by this cDNA contains the conserved sequence (QACRG) necessary for covalent linkage to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) as well as the three amino acids responsible for substrate recognition and catalysis reported in other caspase members. Using a segment of this cDNA as a probe, we found no change of CPP32 mRNA in cultured arterial SMC before and after SNP treatment. We also measured the protease activity of CPP32 against a chromophore p-nitroaniline (pNA)-labeled substrate, DEVD-pNA. Our results showed a dose-dependent increase of CPP32 activity in SMC, with a maximal 10-fold increase after SNP treatment. Addition of a competitive CPP32 inhibitor, DEVD-CHO, produced a 50% reduction in maximal stimulation. Immunoblot analysis illustrated that SNP treatment induced proteolytic cleavage of CPP32 into its enzymatically active subunit p17 as well as the degradation of PARP into a 85-kDa fragment. We further demonstrated that incubation of cultured SMC with DEVD-CHO significantly reduced SNP-induced DNA fragmentation. DNA fragmentation analysis was carried out using several methods including a cell death detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, in situ end labeling, and DNA electrophoresis in agarose gel. Our data indicate that CPP32 mRNA is constitutively expressed in rabbit SMC and activation of CPP32 protein has a pivotal role in SNP-induced SMC apoptosis.

Vascular Endothelium Is Severely Perturbed and Undergoes Apoptosis in Experimental Heatstroke in Primates.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3972-3972
Author(s):  
George T. Roberts ◽  
Muhammad A. Chishti ◽  
Fallah H. Al-Mohanna ◽  
Raafat M. El-Sayed ◽  
Abderezak Bouchama
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Vascular Endothelium ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tissue Sections ◽  
Endothelial Cell Death

Abstract Introduction: Ultrastructural evidence of endothelial cell (EC) injury has been associated with diffuse microvascular thrombosis in human heatstroke (HS). In vitro studies have also shown that heat stress accelerates apoptotic cell death. Using a recently described baboon model of heatstroke, we sought to examine pathological changes in the vascular endothelium and whether apoptosis is a mechanism of endothelial cell death. Hypothesis: Major structural vascular endothelium alterations occur in HS and apoptosis is a mechanism of endothelial cell death in HS. Methods: Anesthetized baboons (Papio hamadyras) were heat-stressed in a neonatal incubator maintained at 44 1.5 °C, until rectal temperature attained 42.5°C (moderate heatstroke; n =4) or systolic blood pressure fell to < 90 mm Hg (severe heatstroke n =4). Animals were resuscitated with normal saline and allowed to cool at room temperature. Four sham-heated animals served as control group. Spleen, liver, heart, kidney, gut, lung and adrenal tissue were obtained either by immediate autopsy in non-survivors or after euthanasia at 72-h for survivors. Vascular endothelium ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of ultra-thin tissue sections. Biological activity of EC was determined by light microscopy (LM) using a polyclonal antibody targeting von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Apoptosis was assessed, also in tissue sections, by deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) procedure. Results: In heatstroke animals, there were marked EC changes in lungs, spleen, jejunum, kidneys and liver, demonstrated by TEM, as increased cytoplasmic membrane convolutions that included formation of villi projecting into the vessel lumina, and increase in the width of the gaps between ECs. Migration of neutrophils, platelets and erythrocytes through these widened gaps was noted. Weibel-Palade bodies were increased both in size and number in EC of jejunum, lungs and kidneys. This increase correlated with increased endothelial expression of immunologically detectable vWF. TEM also showed that there was increased apoptosis manifested by nuclear chromatin condensation and karyorrhexis and formation of cytoplasmic myelin whorls. Increased EC apoptosis was also observed by TUNEL in the jejunum, lungs, liver and spleen. All these changes were greater in animals with severe HS than in animals with moderate HS, whereas sham heated control animals showed no significant changes. Conclusion: Widespread EC injury with apoptotic cell death is consistent with the hypothesis that the endothelium may play a pathogenic role in heatstroke.

scholarly journals Co-expression of MG29 and Ryanodine Receptor Leads to Apoptotic Cell Death

2004 ◽  
Vol 279 (19) ◽  
pp. 19387-19390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zui Pan ◽  
Yutaka Hirata ◽  
Ramakrishnan Y. Nagaraj ◽  
Jiying Zhao ◽  
Miyuki Nishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Ryanodine Receptor ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells ◽  
Chinese Hamster ◽  
Bilayer Membrane ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Functional Interaction ◽  
Release Channel ◽  
Intracellular Ca

Perturbation of intracellular Ca2+homeostasis has been shown to regulate the process of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our previous studies show that mitsugumin 29 (MG29), a synaptophysin-related protein localized in the triad junction of skeletal muscle, serves an essential role in muscle Ca2+signaling by regulating the process of store-operated Ca2+entry. Here we report a functional interaction between MG29 and the ryanodine receptor (RyR)/Ca2+release channel. The purified MG29 protein enhances activity of the RyR/Ca2+release channel incorporated into the lipid bilayer membrane. Co-expression of MG29 and RyR in Chinese hamster ovary cells leads to apoptotic cell death resulting from depletion of intracellular Ca2+stores, despite neither protein expression alone exhibits any significant effect on cell viability. In transient expression studies, the presence of RyR in the endoplasmic reticulum leads to retention of MG29 from the plasma membrane into the intracellular organelles. This functional interaction between MG29 and RyR could have important implications in the Ca2+signaling processes of muscle cells. Our data also show that perturbation of intracellular Ca2+homeostasis can serve as a key signal in the initiation of apoptosis.

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