title: Alix and ALG-2 make a link between endosomes and neuronal death.
abstract: Alix [ALG-2 (apoptosis-linked gene 2)-interacting protein X] is a ubiquitinous adaptor protein first described for its capacity to bind to the calcium-binding protein, ALG-2. Alix regulates neuronal death in ways involving interactions with ALG-2 and with proteins of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport). Even though all Alix interactors characterized to date are involved in endosomal trafficking, the genuine function of the protein in this process remains unclear. We have demonstrated recently that Alix and ALG-2 form in the presence of calcium, a complex with apical caspases and with the endocytosed death receptor TNFR1 (tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor 1), thus suggesting a molecular coupling between endosomes and the cell death machinery.
authors.affiliation: INSERM, U836, Equipe 2, Neurodégénérescence et Plasticité, Grenoble, F-38042, France.
authors.forename: Anne-Laure
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Mahul-Mellier
authors.forename: Flavie
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Strappazzon
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chatellard-Causse
authors.forename: Béatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blot
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Béal
authors.forename: Sakina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Torch
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hemming
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petiot
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Verna
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fraboulet
authors.forename: Rémy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sadoul
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death; D011992:Endosomes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D020169:Caspases