Cellular localization of NLRP3 inflammasome

Protein Cell. 2013 Jun;4(6):425-31. doi: 10.1007/s13238-013-2113-2. Epub 2013 Apr 23.

Abstract

Inflammasome is a large protein complex activated upon cellular stress or microbial infection, which triggers maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 through caspase-1 activation. Nod-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) is the most characterized inflammasome activated by various stimuli. However, the mechanism of its activation is unclear and its exact cellular localization is still unknown. We examined the potential co-localization of NLRP3 inflammasome with mitochondria and seven other organelles under adenosine triphosphate, nigericin or monosodium urate stimulation in mouse peritoneal macrophages using confocal microscopy approach. Our results revealed that the activated endogenous apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) pyroptosome forms in the cytoplasm and co-localizes with NLRP3 and caspase-1, but not with any of the organelles screened. This study indicates that the ASC pyroptosome universally localizes within the cytoplasm rather than with any specific organelles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Caspase 1 / analysis
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / analysis
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
  • Inflammasomes / analysis
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / cytology
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / drug effects
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Nigericin / pharmacology
  • Uric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Nlrp3 protein, mouse
  • Pycard protein, mouse
  • Uric Acid
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Caspase 1
  • Nigericin