Posttranslational regulation of Bim by caspase-3

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007 Nov:1116:271-80. doi: 10.1196/annals.1402.001. Epub 2007 Jun 21.

Abstract

Bim is a proapoptotic BH3-domain-only member of the Bcl-2 family, and its expression is regulated both transcriptionally and posttranslationally. We developed an in vitro system examining the posttranslational regulation of Bim. Since Bim is a strong mediator of apoptosis, it has been quite difficult to establish cell lines stably overexpressing Bim. Coexpression of Bcl-2 enabled us to obtain mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in which Bim is overexpressed and Bcl-2 expression is regulated by Tet-off system. Reduction of Bcl-2 levels by doxycycline treatment induced caspase-3 and caspase-7 activation, which was followed by Bim degradation. Bim degradation was suppressed by gene knockdown of caspase-3, but not by caspase-7 knockdown. The same posttranslational regulation of Bim was observed in osteoclasts. These results suggest that caspase-3 negatively regulates Bim expression by stimulating its degradation, thus creating a negative feedback loop in the Bim-caspase axis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BCL2L11 protein, human
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Bcl2l11 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Caspase 3