Microsomal monooxygenase in apoptosis: another target for cytochrome c signaling?
The main function of eukaryotic microsomal monooxygenase (MMO) is thought to be the oxygenation of xenobiotics and hydrophobic endogenous substrates. However, there are important inconsistencies in the concept that the biological role of MMO is limited to the catalysis of these reactions. It is probable that MMO is also a regulated generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is involved in both the initiation and execution of apoptosis. Additional support for this hypothesis came with the discovery of a role for cytochrome c (cyt c) in apoptotic signaling. This article introduces the theory that microsomal cytochrome b(5), which modulates the production of ROS in MMO, is among the principal interacting targets of cyt c. The role of this interaction in the initiation of apoptosis is discussed.
Laboratory of Microsomal Oxidation, The Institute of Biomedical Chemistry of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 10 Pogodinskaya ul., Moscow, Russia 119992. DAVYDOV@IBMH.MSK.SU
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D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism*; D015786:Cytochromes b5 / Q000378:metabolism; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008861:Microsomes / Q000201:enzymology*; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D015398:Signal Transduction
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D015786:Cytochromes b5; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases