Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles
Published on: October 5, 2012
Apoptosis is associated with modifications of bcl-2 mRNA AU-binding proteins
M Donnini1, A Lapucci, L Papucci
1Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
The expression of genes requiring finely tuned control is regulated by a posttranscriptional mechanism involving mRNA A + U-rich elements (AREs) cooperating with ARE-binding proteins (AUBPs) in modulation of mRNA stability. We reported previously that an ARE in the bcl-2 mRNA 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) had destabilizing activity and was involved in bcl-2 downregulation during apoptosis in vitro. Here we demonstrate that the bcl-2 ARE complexes with a number of specific AUBPs, whose pattern undergoes changes following application of apoptotic stimuli. The caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk strongly attenuates both bcl-2 mRNA decay and bcl-2 AUBP pattern changes elicited by apoptotic stimuli, indicating the involvement of bcl-2 AUBPs in bcl-2 mRNA stability control.
Related Concept Videos
Apoptosis
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

