bcl-2核酶与Bax在诱导食管癌细胞凋亡中的协同作用

为了同时调节二种凋亡相关蛋白的表达诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡 ,探索肿瘤基因治疗的可能性 ,同时转入可诱导表达的特异性切割 bcl- 2的核酶基因及 bax基因 ,间接免疫荧光标记法检测 Bcl- 2及Bax蛋白的表达量 ,用 TUNEL、流式细胞术及琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测细胞凋亡 .共转染后 Bcl- 2蛋白表达下降 ,同时 Bax蛋白表达升高 ,导致 30 %左右细胞凋亡 ,并可使细胞对紫杉醇的敏感度增加近4倍 ,使紫杉醇有效作用时间缩短近一倍 .同时调节二个凋亡相关基因可导致细胞凋亡 ,并能有效促进化疗药物诱导的凋亡 .同时校正多个基因的异常表达 ,比仅仅改变单个基因可更有效地达到治疗肿瘤的目的 .     

Direct Interaction of Bax and Bak Proteins with Bcl-2 Homology Domain 3 (BH3)-only Proteins in Living Cells Revealed by Fluorescence Complementation

The key event in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is the activation of Bax and Bak by BH3-only proteins through a molecular mechanism that is still a matter of debate. Here we studied interactions among anti- and proapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family in living cells by using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Our results indicate that the antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-x_L bind preferably to the BH3-only proteins Bim, PUMA, and Noxa but can also bind to Bak and Bax. We also found a direct interaction between Bim, PUMA, or Noxa with either Bax or Bak during apoptosis induction. In HeLa cells, interaction of Bim with Bax occurs in cytosol, and then Bim-Bax complexes translocate to mitochondria. Complexes of either PUMA or Noxa with Bax or Bak were always detected at mitochondria. Overexpression of Bcl-x_L or Mcl-1 delayed Bim/Bax translocation to mitochondria. These results reveal the ability of main BH3-only proteins to directly activate Bax and Bak in living cells and suggest that a complex network of interactions regulate the function of Bcl-2 family members during apoptosis.     

Bcl-xL stimulates Bax relocation to mitochondria and primes cells to ABT-737

Bax cytosol-to-mitochondria translocation is a central event of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Bcl-xL is an important regulator of this event and was recently shown to promote the retrotranslocation of mitochondrial Bax to the cytosol. The present study identifies a new aspect of the regulation of Bax localization by Bcl-xL: in addition to its role in Bax inhibition and retrotranslocation, we found that, like with Bcl-2, an increase of Bcl-xL expression levels led to an increase of Bax mitochondrial content. This finding was substantiated both in pro-lymphocytic FL5.12 cells and a yeast reporting system. Bcl-xL-dependent increase of mitochondrial Bax is counterbalanced by retrotranslocation, as we observed that Bcl-xLΔC, which is unable to promote Bax retrotranslocation, was more efficient than the full-length protein in stimulating Bax relocation to mitochondria. Interestingly, cells overexpressing Bcl-xL were more sensitive to apoptosis upon treatment with the BH3-mimetic ABT-737, suggesting that despite its role in Bax inhibition, Bcl-xL also primes mitochondria to permeabilization and cytochrome c release.     

The Stress Protein BAG3 Stabilizes Mcl-1 Protein and Promotes Survival of Cancer Cells and Resistance to Antagonist ABT-737

Members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins are important inhibitors of apoptosis in human cancer and are targets for novel anticancer agents such as the Bcl-2 antagonists, ABT-263 (Navitoclax), and its analog ABT-737. Unlike Bcl-2, Mcl-1 is not antagonized by ABT-263 or ABT-737 and is considered to be a major factor in resistance. Also, Mcl-1 exhibits differential regulation when compared with other Bcl-2 family members and is a target for anticancer drug discovery. Here, we demonstrate that BAG3, an Hsp70 co-chaperone, protects Mcl-1 from proteasomal degradation, thereby promoting its antiapoptotic activity. Using neuroblastoma cell lines, with a defined Bcl-2 family dependence, we found that BAG3 expression correlated with Mcl-1 dependence and ABT-737 resistance. RNA silencing of BAG3 led to a marked reduction in Mcl-1 protein levels and overcame ABT-737 resistance in Mcl-1-dependent cells. In ABT-737-resistant cells, Mcl-1 co-immunoprecipitated with BAG3, and loss of Mcl-1 after BAG3 silencing was prevented by proteasome inhibition. BAG3 and Mcl-1 were co-expressed in a panel of diverse cancer cell lines resistant to ABT-737. Silencing BAG3 reduced Mcl-1 protein levels and overcame ABT-737 resistance in several of the cell lines, including triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB231) and androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer (PC3) cells. These studies identify BAG3-mediated Mcl-1 stabilization as a potential target for cancer drug discovery.     

妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化

以新西兰雌兔为动物模型,研究妊娠期间胎盘细胞凋亡及其凋亡调控蛋白Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化.基因组DNA凝胶电泳实验检测到妊娠中期和晚期胎盘基因组DNA中出现典型的凋亡特征——DNA梯带,而且DNA断裂值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.14、0.49和1.43,与妊娠早期相比,妊娠中、晚期胎盘基因组DNA断裂值有显著性增加.TUNEL实验和活化caspase-3的免疫定位实验表明,在妊娠早期胎盘中存在细胞凋亡,而且在各妊娠期中细胞凋亡主要发生于合体滋养层.免疫印迹法分析表明,Bcl-2和Bax随妊娠的进行其表达量明显增加,Bax∶Bcl-2比值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.89,0.91和1.25,呈增加趋势.实验结果说明,在兔正常妊娠中,胎盘合体滋养层细胞发生凋亡,且随妊娠的进行,凋亡细胞数量增多,胎盘细胞凋亡主要与细胞中Bax∶Bcl-2的比例相关.     

妊娠兔胎盘细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化

以新西兰雌兔为动物模型。研究妊娠期间胎盘细胞凋亡及其凋亡调控蛋白Bcl-2和Bax表达的动态变化,基因组DNA凝胶电泳实验检测到妊娠中期和晚期胎盘基因组DNA中出现典型的凋亡特征-DNA梯带,而且DNA断裂值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.14,0.49和1.43,与妊娠早期相比,妊娠中,晚期胎盘基因组DNA断裂值有显著性增加,TUNEL实验和活化caspase-3的免疫定位实验表明,在妊娠早期胎盘中存在细胞凋亡,而且在各妊娠期中细胞凋亡主要发生于合体滋养层,免疫印迹法分析表明,Bcl-2和Bax随妊娠的进行其表达量明显增加,Bax:Bcl-2比值在妊娠早、中、晚期分别为：0.89,0.91和1.25,呈增加趋势,实验结果说明,在兔正常妊娠中,胎盘合体滋养层细胞发生凋亡,且随妊娠的进行,凋亡细胞数量增多,胎盘细胞凋亡主要与细胞中Bax:Bcl-2的比例相关。     

After Embedding in Membranes Antiapoptotic Bcl-XL Protein Binds Both Bcl-2 Homology Region 3 and Helix 1 of Proapoptotic Bax Protein to Inhibit Apoptotic Mitochondrial Permeabilization

Bcl-XL binds to Bax, inhibiting Bax oligomerization required for mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) during apoptosis. How Bcl-XL binds to Bax in the membrane is not known. Here, we investigated the structural organization of Bcl-XL·Bax complexes formed in the MOM, including the binding interface and membrane topology, using site-specific cross-linking, compartment-specific labeling, and computational modeling. We found that one heterodimer interface is formed by a specific interaction between the Bcl-2 homology 1–3 (BH1–3) groove of Bcl-XL and the BH3 helix of Bax, as defined previously by the crystal structure of a truncated Bcl-XL protein and a Bax BH3 peptide (Protein Data Bank entry 3PL7). We also discovered a novel interface in the heterodimer formed by equivalent interactions between the helix 1 regions of Bcl-XL and Bax when their helical axes are oriented either in parallel or antiparallel. The two interfaces are located on the cytosolic side of the MOM, whereas helix 9 of Bcl-XL is embedded in the membrane together with helices 5, 6, and 9 of Bax. Formation of the helix 1·helix 1 interface partially depends on the formation of the groove·BH3 interface because point mutations in the latter interface and the addition of ABT-737, a groove-binding BH3 mimetic, blocked the formation of both interfaces. The mutations and ABT-737 also prevented Bcl-XL from inhibiting Bax oligomerization and subsequent MOMP, suggesting that the structural organization in which interactions at both interfaces contribute to the overall stability and functionality of the complex represents antiapoptotic Bcl-XL·Bax complexes in the MOM.     

Integration and Oligomerization of Bax Protein in Lipid Bilayers Characterized by Single Molecule Fluorescence Study

Bax is a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein. The activated Bax translocates to mitochondria, where it forms pore and permeabilizes the mitochondrial outer membrane. This process requires the BH3-only activator protein (i.e. tBid) and can be inhibited by anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bcl-x_L. Here by using single molecule fluorescence techniques, we studied the integration and oligomerization of Bax in lipid bilayers. Our study revealed that Bax can bind to lipid membrane spontaneously in the absence of tBid. The Bax pore formation undergoes at least two steps: pre-pore formation and membrane insertion. The activated Bax triggered by tBid or BH3 domain peptide integrates on bilayers and tends to form tetramers, which are termed as pre-pore. Subsequent insertion of the pre-pore into membrane is highly dependent on the composition of cardiolipin in lipid bilayers. Bcl-x_L can translocate Bax from membrane to solution and inhibit the pore formation. The study of Bax integration and oligomerization at the single molecule level provides new evidences that may help elucidate the pore formation of Bax and its regulatory mechanism in apoptosis.     

大蒜素诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡

为寻找毒副作用小并且治疗效果好的抗癌药物,研究大蒜素对人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡的影响,同时探讨了大蒜素引发细胞凋亡的可能机制。通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞形态变化,琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测DNA片段化情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率和线粒体膜电位变化,qRT-PCR和Western blotting检测细胞凋亡相关基因Bax、Bcl-2的mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果显示,大蒜素作用人食管癌EC-109细胞48 h后,线粒体膜电位显著降低,并且早期凋亡细胞和晚期凋亡细胞所占百分比均显著增加。同时,与对照组相比,Bax mRNA和蛋白水平均显著升高(p<0.05),Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白水平均显著降低(p<0.05)。据此,本研究得出大蒜素可诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡,并呈剂量依赖性,有潜在的药用价值。     

水飞蓟宾诱导卵巢癌HO-8910细胞凋亡增殖及其机制探讨

目的:探讨水飞蓟宾对人卵巢癌HO-8910细胞增殖的抑制作用及其作用机制。方法:HO-8910细胞分为四组:(1)对照组;(2)水飞蓟宾低浓度组;(3)水飞蓟宾中浓度组;(4)水飞蓟宾高浓度组。通过MTT法测定细胞增值率,流式细胞技术检测细胞凋亡情况,Hoechst染色观查细胞核凋亡,Western-blot检测bax及bcl-2表达。结果:细胞增殖检测结果显示,水飞蓟宾低、中、高浓度组的抑制率(83.00±5.51%、65.33±3.48%、56.67±4.37%)与对照组(97.33±4.25%)比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。流式细胞技术结果显示,水飞蓟宾低、中、高浓度组凋亡细胞比例分别为16.93±2.34%、26.20±2.21%和37.93±1.98%,与对照组(1.43±0.72%)相比差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。Hoechst染色结果显示,水飞蓟宾低、中、高浓度组凋亡细胞比例分别为12.56±2.55%、25.73±2.05%和39.14±3.69%,与对照组(0.54±0.67%)相比差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。此外,水飞蓟宾可以升高bax基因表达水平,降低bcl-2基因表达平。结论:水飞蓟宾能明显抑制HO-8910细胞增殖,促进细胞凋亡,通过改变凋亡因子表达诱导卵巢癌HO-8910细胞凋亡。     

Reduced expression of Bax in ceramide-resistant HL-60 subline

Ceramide, the backbone of sphingolipids, has been reported to be involved in various cellular responses including apoptosis. We recently established and characterized a C2-ceramide-resistant HL-60 subline designated HL-CR. HL-CR cells were resistant to not only ceramide but also anti-cancer drugs including daunorubicin, etoposide, and cytosine arabinoside. To elucidate the mechanisms by which HL-CR cells became resistant to various apoptosis-inducing stimuli, the levels of Bcl-2 family proteins, which play crucial roles in drug-induced apoptosis, were compared between HL-CR and parental HL-60 cells. Among Bcl-2 family members, Bax, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, was highly expressed in HL-60 but was hardly detected in HL-CR cells. Transient transfection of bax-expressing plasmid, but not the vector alone, induced apoptosis in HL-CR cells. These results suggest that reduced expression of Bax might play a role in resistance to various apoptosis-inducing stimuli in HL-CR cells.     

鱼藤酮致帕金森大鼠的脑黑质中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax表达改变

目的研究鱼藤酮致帕金森病（PD）大鼠中脑黑质凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax表达的改变。方法Wistar大鼠每日颈背部皮下注射鱼藤酮2mg（kg·d）（3～6周）造模,依据所建立的评分体系记录动物行为变化,在行为学有记分并停止给鱼藤酮4、10d时,中脑黑质病理切片免疫组化染色比较黑质区域Bcl-2、Bax的表达。结果在有行为学记分4d时,记4分和8分的大鼠中脑黑质Bcl-2表达均显著减少;所有PD大鼠中脑黑质Bax表达均显著增加;Bcl-2/Bax比率均显著减少;有记分4d时,行为学记分与Bcl-2/Bax比值成负相关性。结论细胞凋亡参与了鱼藤酮帕金森模型大鼠黑质多巴胺神经细胞的损伤。     

Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in relation to quality of bovine oocytes and embryos produced in vitro

The mechanisms underlying the visual assessment and selection of immature oocytes resulting in optimum embryonic development following in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture (in vitro maturation (IVM)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/in vitro embryo culture (IVC)) are unknown. Also, the reasons for the more frequent occurrence of cytoplasmic fragmentation in in vitro produced bovine embryos, resulting in poor survival following cryopreservation and decreased pregnancy rates following embryo transfer are not clear. The objectives of this study are: (1) to investigate whether differences in the quality of immature oocytes and embryo fragmentation are associated with apoptosis; and (2) to study the pattern of Bcl-2 and Bax expression in oocytes and embryos to help elucidate their potential roles in the regulation of apoptosis during development. Bovine oocytes were obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries and divided into four grades (grades I–IV) based on their morphology. Oocytes of different grades were cultured in serum-free medium for 48 h. Embryos were produced only from grade I oocytes (highest quality) via IVM, IVF and IVC procedures. The morphological analysis of apoptosis in oocytes and embryos was carried out using propidium iodide staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in oocytes and embryos of different qualities and stages was determined using western blotting. The results showed that the number of morphologically abnormal oocytes with shrinkage and/or fragmentation of the ooplasm, which are typical features of apoptosis, was significantly higher in grade IV oocytes (denuded oocytes, the lowest quality) than in grade I oocytes after 48 h in vitro culture (P<0.05). DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of the biochemical changes seen in apoptotic cell death, was observed in morphologically fragmented oocytes and embryos. The expression of Bcl-2 was high in good quality oocytes and embryos, low in fragmented embryos, and hardly detectable in denuded oocytes. In contrast, the expression of Bax was found in all types of oocytes and embryos with the highest expression in the denuded oocytes. This implies that the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax may be used to gauge the tendency of oocytes and embryos towards either survival or apoptosis. Overall, our results show that apoptosis appears to be an underlying mechanism of bovine oocyte degeneration and embryo fragmentation. Interactions between the Bcl-2 family of proteins may play a critical role in pre-implantation embryo development. These findings could have important implications for improving IVF and related techniques.     

槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞的凋亡作用及机制研究

摘要 目的：探讨槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞的凋亡作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法：采用活细胞计数法(CCK-8)测定槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞增殖的作用,分别采用细胞划痕实验和Transwell实验测定槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞迁移和侵袭的影响,采用流式细胞术测定槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞凋亡的作用,采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)和免疫印迹法(West-blotting)测定槲皮素对乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞Fas、FasL、Bcl-2和Bax mRNA和蛋白表达的影响。结果：槲皮素（50~200 μmol/L）作用乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞 24 h、48 h和72 h对其增殖具有显著的抑制作用,并且呈浓度依赖性（P<0.05）;细胞划痕实验中槲皮素50 μmol/L和100 μmol/L可使乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞划痕宽度较对照组显著增加（P<0.05）;Transwell试验中槲皮素50 μmol/L和100 μmol/L可使乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435穿膜细胞较对照组显著降低（P<0.05）;槲皮素50 μmol/L和100 μmol/L可使乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞凋亡率较对照组显著升高（P<0.05）;槲皮素50 μmol/L和100 μmol/L可使乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞中Bcl-2 mRNA表达较对照组显著降低（P<0.05）,Fas、FasL和Bax mRNA表达较对照组显著升高（P<0.05）;槲皮素50 μmol/L和100 μmol/L可使乳腺癌MCF-7和MDA-MB-435细胞中Bcl-2 蛋白表达较对照组显著降低（P<0.05）,Fas、FasL和Bax 蛋白表达较对照组显著升高（P<0.05）。结论：槲皮素可促进乳腺癌细胞的凋亡,可能与其通过作用Fas/FasL凋亡信号通路而激活外源性凋亡途径,通过作用Bcl-2凋亡信号通路而激活内源性凋亡途径有关。     

Electro-acupuncture Reduces Neuronal Apoptosis Linked to Bax and Bcl-2 Expression in the Spinal Cords of Cats Subjected to Partial Dorsal Root Ganglionectomy

While electro-acupuncture (EA) has been well known to contribute towards neuroplasticity occurring in both the central and the peripheral nervous system after injury, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the effects and the possible mechanism of EA on neuronal apoptosis in the spinal cords of cats subjected to the removal of L₁–L₅ and L₇–S₂ dorsal root ganglion, sparing the L₆ dorsal root ganglion. EA treatment decreased the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in lamina II of the L₃ and L₆ cord segments at 7 and 14 days post operation (dpo). This EA-mediated neuroprotection is associated with a decrease in the number of Bax immunoreactive neurons and an increase in the number of Bcl-2 immunoreactive neurons. Furthermore, Western blot and RT-PCR analysis revealed a significant downregulation of Bax protein and its mRNA, but an upregulation of Bcl-2 in the dorsal horn of L₃ and L₆ cords at both 7 and 14 dpo. The present findings suggest that EA could inhibit neuronal apoptosis in dorsal root deafferentated cat spinal cords, possibly by Bax downregulation and Bcl-2 upregulation. Wei Zhao and Qi Zhao contributed equally to this work.     

双酚A对中国林蛙生精细胞凋亡和Bax、Bcl-2表达的影响

为探讨双酚A(BPA)对两栖动物生精细胞凋亡及相关蛋白Bax和Bcl-2表达的影响.将雄性中国林蛙(Rana chensinensis)分别暴露于10-7、10-6、10-5 mol/L BPA水体中持续3 d、5 d、7 d,取其精巢组织.用原位末端转移酶法(TUNEL)和甲基绿-派诺宁法(Methyl Green-Pyronine)检测生精细胞凋亡,用免疫组织化学方法检测生精细胞的Bax和Bcl-2表达.结果显示,各BPA处理组中国林蛙生精细胞凋亡指数(Apoptotic index,AI)均显著高于对照组,10-6 mol/L与10-7 mol/L BPA处理组生精细胞的AI差异不显著,10-5 mol/L BPA处理组生精细胞的AI与前两组相比显著增高;在同一BPA浓度处理组,生精细胞AI随处理时间的延长而增高.与对照组相比,各BPA处理组Bax表达上调,Bcl-2表达下调,差异均显著;生精细胞AI与Bax/Bcl-2表达呈正相关.这些结果提示,BPA可导致中国林蛙的生精细胞凋亡,而生精细胞凋亡的发生与Bax/Bcl-2表达比值的变化密切相关.     

Expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in Nerve Tissues of Rats Chronically Exposed to 2,5-hexanedione

Occupational exposure and experimental intoxication with n-hexane or its metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD) produce a central-peripheral neuropathy. However, the mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that HD affected the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Male adult Wistar rats were administered by intraperitoneal injection at a dosage of 200 or 400 mg/kg HD, five days per week for 8 weeks. Samples of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord and sciatic nerves were collected and examined for Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 expression using Western blotting. Subchronic exposure to HD resulted in significantly increased expression of both anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax and Caspase-3 in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, which exhibited a dose-dependent pattern. Though little change was detected in spinal cord, our results showed that the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 was markedly enhanced in the sciatic nerves. These findings suggested that the changes of apoptosis-related protein level in rat nerve tissues were associated with the intoxication of HD, which might be involved in early molecular regulatory mechanism of apoptosis in the HD-induced neuropathy.     

Expression of apoptosis-related genes Fas/FasL,Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 in rat corpus luteum during luteal regression

Using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, Western blot and TUNEL methods, we have studied the expression of Fas/FasL, Bcl-2/Bax and caspase-3 in the corpora lutea (CL) at various stages of pseudopregnant rat induced by injection of PMSF/hCG. The results showed that no apoptotic signal could be observed until Day 14 after hCG injection. Fas weakly expressed in the CL at all the stages increased when luteolysis took place. FasL signal increased dramatically on Day 14 and reached the maximum level on Day 21. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected in a time-dependent manner. At the early stage of CL development, Bcl-2 expression was stronger, while Bax was low. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the CL was completely reversed. Caspase-3 antigen could be detected throughout all the phases of CL development in a time-dependent fashion, low on Day 2 and reaching the maximum on Day 21. These results suggest that luteal regression at the late phases may be related to cell apoptosis.     

The timing of re-institution of good blood glucose control affects apoptosis and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the retina of diabetic rats

Hyperglycemia initiates a sequence of events that leads to the development of diabetic retinopathy. We explored the effect of re-institution of good blood glucose control on apoptosis and apoptosis related genes (Bax and Bcl-2) in the retina of diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats randomly divided into five groups : normal control group (CON), diabetic rats with high blood glucose levels for 8 months group (DM) ,diabetic rats with good blood glucose control for 8 months group (DM₁),diabetic rats with poor blood glucose control for 2 month followed by good blood glucose control for six additional months group (DM₂), rats with poor blood glucose control for 4 months followed by good blood glucose levels for four additional months group (DM₃). Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the retina was studied by immunohistochemistry and the apoptotic cells were stained using the TUNEL method. The apoptotic cell, expression of Bax and Bcl-2 and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 in the retina was increased in DM group compared with normal rats’ (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in apoptotic cells and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 between DM₁ group and CON group. The number of TUNEL positive cells and Bax to Bcl-2 ratio was partially reversed in DM₂ group. But glucose control had no effect on the apoptotic cells and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in DM₃ group. There was a positive correlation between apoptotic cells and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the retina (r = 0.808, P < 0.01). Good blood glucose control at early stage can decrease the number of apoptotic cells in the retina; the decreased apoptosis is correlated with the down-regulation of Bax to Bcl-2 ratio.     

Mediation of the antiapoptotic activity of Bcl-xL protein upon interaction with VDAC1 protein

The mitochondrial protein, the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), is implicated in the control of apoptosis, including via its interaction with the pro- and antiapoptotic proteins. We previously demonstrated the direct interaction of Bcl2 with VDAC, leading to reduced channel conductance. VDAC1-based peptides interacted with Bcl2 to prevent its antiapoptotic activity. Here, using a variety of approaches, we show the interaction of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-xL, with VDAC1 and reveal that this interaction mediates Bcl-xL protection against apoptosis. C-terminally truncated Bcl-xL(Δ21) interacts with purified VDAC1, as revealed by microscale thermophoresis and as reflected in the reduced channel conductivity of bilayer-reconstituted VDAC1. Overexpression of Bcl-xL prevented staurosporine-induced apoptosis in cells expressing native VDAC1 but not certain VDAC1 mutants. Having identified mutations in VDAC1 that interfere with the Bcl-xL interaction, certain peptides representing VDAC1 sequences, including the N-terminal domain, were designed and generated as recombinant and synthetic peptides. The VDAC1 N-terminal region and two internal sequences were found to bind specifically, and in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, to immobilized Bcl-xL(Δ21), as revealed by surface plasmon resonance. Moreover, expression of the recombinant peptides in cells overexpressing Bcl-xL prevented protection offered by the protein against staurosporine-induced apoptosis. These results point to Bcl-xL acting as antiapoptotic protein, promoting tumor cell survival via binding to VDAC1. These findings suggest that interfering with Bcl-xL binding to the mitochondria by VDAC1-based peptides may serve to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and to potentiate the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.