Life support: the alpha4 phosphatase subunit in cell survival and apoptosis.
Reversible protein phosphorylation represents a cellular response to normal physiological processes as well as to cellular insults and stress. Recently, the protein phosphatase-associated alpha4 subunit was shown to be required for sustaining cell survival. Lack of alpha4 leads to apoptotic death of multiple cell types and to the death of the organism. Here, we explore how the phosphatase network might operate in controlling life-and-death decisions. We discuss the relevance of the findings for understanding the action of alpha4 in cell survival and for better discriminating between a role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and thus survival, or actively keeping apoptotic cell death in check by targeting effectors of the cell death machinery.
Saleh
Maya
M
Division of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Pagliari
Lisa J
LJ
Green
Douglas R
DR
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D021122:Protein Subunits; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases