Alix and ALG-2 make a link between endosomes and neuronal death.
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.
Mahul-Mellier
Anne-Laure
AL
INSERM, U836, Equipe 2, Neurodégénérescence et Plasticité, Grenoble, F-38042, France.
Strappazzon
Flavie
F
Chatellard-Causse
Christine
C
Blot
Béatrice
B
Béal
David
D
Torch
Sakina
S
Hemming
Fiona
F
Petiot
Anne
A
Verna
Jean-Marc
JM
Fraboulet
Sandrine
S
Sadoul
Rémy
R
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
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D020169:Caspases