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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

Apoptotic action of E2F1 requires glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta activity in PC12 cells

Lilia Espada1, Basavaraj Udapudi1, Petar Podlesniy1

  • 1Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, SpainLaboratori de Neuropatologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Básiques, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalunya, SpainCentre d'Oncologia Molecular, Institut de Recerca Oncologica-Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.

Journal of Neurochemistry
|June 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The apoptotic action of E2F1 in neuronal cells requires Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3beta) activity. Inhibiting GSK3beta prevents E2F1-induced neuronal apoptosis, highlighting a shared pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • E2F1 and GSK3beta are key targets in neuronal apoptosis.
  • GSK3beta has been shown to bind E2F1 in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate if E2F1 and GSK3beta share a common apoptotic pathway in neuronal cells.
  • Elucidate the role of GSK3beta in E2F1-mediated neuronal apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a PC12 cell line with inducible E2F1 expression.
  • Utilized GSK3beta inhibitors (SB216763, LiCl) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for knockdown.
  • Assessed apoptosis induction and gene expression patterns.

Main Results:

  • E2F1 activation induced apoptosis in neuronal cells, which was blocked by GSK3beta inhibitors.
  • Reduced GSK3beta levels via siRNA diminished E2F1-induced apoptosis.
  • E2F1-induced apoptosis was independent of GSK3beta activity regulation but potentially linked to altered gene transcription.

Conclusions:

  • GSK3beta activity is essential for E2F1-mediated neuronal apoptosis.
  • The findings reveal a critical role for GSK3beta in the E2F1 apoptotic pathway.

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