title: UV irradiation resistance-associated gene suppresses apoptosis by interfering with BAX activation.
abstract: Ultraviolet irradiation resistance-associated gene (UVRAG) is a well-known regulator of autophagy by promoting autophagosome formation and maturation. However, little is known about the non-autophagic functions of UVRAG. Here, we present evidence that UVRAG functions as an unusual BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) suppressor to regulate apoptosis. Chemotherapy and radiation induces UVRAG expression and subsequently upregulates autophagy and apoptosis in tumour cells. Depletion of UVRAG expression by RNA interference renders tumour cells more sensitive to chemotherapy- and radiation-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, UVRAG interacts with Bax, which inhibits apoptotic stimuli-induced mitochondrial translocation of Bax, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-9 and -3. Our findings show that UVRAG has an essential role in the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by regulating the localization of Bax. This pathway represents a target for clinical intervention against tumours.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, People's Republic of China.
authors: Xiaocheng
authors: X
authors: Yin
authors: Lizhi
authors: L
authors: Cao
authors: Rui
authors: R
authors: Kang
authors: Minghua
authors: M
authors: Yang
authors: Zhuo
authors: Z
authors: Wang
authors: Yanhui
authors: Y
authors: Peng
authors: Yanfang
authors: Y
authors: Tan
authors: Liying
authors: L
authors: Liu
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Xie
authors: Yiming
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
authors: Kristen M
authors: KM
authors: Livesey
authors: Daolin
authors: D
authors: Tang
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