Life with or without AIF.
Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was initially discovered as a caspase-independent death effector. AIF fulfills its lethal function after its release from mitochondria and its translocation to the nucleus of the dying cell. The contribution of AIF to programmed cell death is dependent upon the cell type and apoptotic insult. Recent in vivo data indicate that, in addition to its lethal activity, AIF plays a vital mitochondrial role in healthy cells. A segment of AIF which is dispensable for its apoptotic function carries an NADH-oxidase domain that regulates the respiratory chain complex I and is required for cell survival, proliferation and mitochondrial integrity. Mice that express reduced levels of AIF constitute a reliable model of complex I deficiency. Here we discuss recent reports on the survival-related function(s) of AIF.
INSERM U848, 94805 Villejuif Cedex, France.
Emilie
E
Hangen
Klas
K
Blomgren
Paule
P
Bénit
Guido
G
Kroemer
Nazanine
N
Modjtahedi
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D051033:Apoptosis Inducing Factor / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; D009247:NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases; D021381:Protein Transport
D051033:Apoptosis Inducing Factor; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; C023107:NADH oxidase; D009247:NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases