Effects of the BH3-only protein human Noxa on mitochondrial dynamics

FEBS Lett. 2009 Jul 21;583(14):2349-54. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.06.029. Epub 2009 Jun 21.

Abstract

Mitochondria form reticular networks comprised of filamentous tubules and continuously move and change shape. Bcl-2 family proteins actively participate in the regulation of mitochondria fragmentation. Here, we show that human Noxa, which belongs to the BH3-only pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family, causes mitochondrial fragmentation. We found that while the Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain of Noxa is not associated with mitochondrial fragmentation, the mitochondrial targeting domain (MTD) of Noxa is the region responsible for inducing fragmentation. Two leucine residues in MTD play a key role in the process. Furthermore, the lack of Noxa causes a significant reduction of Velcade-induced mitochondrial fragmentation. Together, these results provide novel insight into the role of Noxa in mitochondrial dynamics and cell death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Boronic Acids / metabolism
  • Bortezomib
  • Cell Death / physiology
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Leucine / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protease Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*
  • Pyrazines / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Boronic Acids
  • PMAIP1 protein, human
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Pyrazines
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Bortezomib
  • Leucine