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Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
Published on: August 4, 2019
p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) isoforms differentially activate nuclear factor-kappaB and caspase-2
S Cuenin1, A Tinel, S Janssens
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Cells respond to DNA damage in a complex way and the fate of damaged cells depends on the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic signals. This is of crucial importance in cancer as genotoxic stress is implied both in oncogenesis and in classical tumor therapies. p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD), initially described as a p53-inducible gene, is one of the molecular switches able to activate a survival or apoptotic program. Two isoforms of PIDD, PIDD (isoform 1) and LRDD (isoform 2), have already been reported and we describe here a third isoform. These three isoforms are differentially expressed in tissues and cell lines. Genotoxic stress only affects PIDD isoform 3 mRNA levels, whereas isoforms 1 and 2 mRNA levels remain unchanged. All isoforms are capable of activating nuclear factor-kappaB in response to genotoxic stress, but only isoform 1 interacts with RIP-associated ICH-1/CED-3 homologous protein with a death domain and activates caspase-2. Isoform 2 counteracts the pro-apoptotic function of isoform 1, whereas isoform 3 enhances it. Thus, the differential splicing of PIDD mRNA leads to the formation of at least three proteins with antagonizing/agonizing functions, thereby regulating cell fate in response to DNA damage.
Insights
A newly discovered third isoform of p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) regulates cell fate following DNA damage. Differential splicing of PIDD mRNA creates isoforms with opposing functions, impacting cancer therapy and oncogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cellular response to DNA damage is critical for preventing oncogenesis and is targeted in cancer therapies.
- The p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) acts as a molecular switch, influencing cell survival or apoptosis.
- Two PIDD isoforms, PIDD (isoform 1) and LRDD (isoform 2), were previously identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a third isoform of PIDD.
- To investigate the differential expression and function of PIDD isoforms in response to genotoxic stress.
- To elucidate the role of PIDD isoforms in regulating cell fate and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PIDD mRNA and protein expression across different tissues and cell lines.
- Investigation of PIDD isoform interactions with key signaling molecules like RIPK1 and caspase-2.
- Assessment of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation by PIDD isoforms.
- Evaluation of the impact of PIDD isoforms on apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- A third PIDD isoform (isoform 3) was identified, exhibiting distinct mRNA expression patterns under genotoxic stress compared to isoforms 1 and 2.
- All three PIDD isoforms activate NF-κB in response to genotoxic stress.
- Only PIDD isoform 1 interacts with RIPK1 and activates caspase-2, initiating apoptosis.
- PIDD isoform 2 antagonizes the pro-apoptotic function of isoform 1, while isoform 3 enhances it.
Conclusions:
- Differential splicing of PIDD mRNA generates at least three protein isoforms with opposing regulatory functions.
- These PIDD isoforms play a crucial role in modulating cell fate decisions in response to DNA damage.
- The complex interplay of PIDD isoforms offers potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Abnormal Proliferation
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Caspases
Negative Regulator Molecules

