Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Role of nuclear bodies in apoptosis signalling
Eva Krieghoff-Henning1, Thomas G Hofmann
1Cellular Senescence Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are dynamic macromolecular multiprotein complexes that recruit and release a plethora of proteins. A considerable number of PML NB components play vital roles in apoptosis, senescence regulation and tumour suppression. The molecular basis by which PML NBs control these cellular responses is still just beginning to be understood. In addition to PML itself, numerous further tumour suppressors including transcriptional regulator p53, acetyl transferase CBP (CREB binding protein) and protein kinase HIPK2 (homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2) are recruited to PML NBs in response to genotoxic stress or oncogenic transformation and drive the senescence and apoptosis response by regulating p53 activity. Moreover, in response to death-receptor activation, PML NBs may act as nuclear depots that release apoptotic factors, such as the FLASH (FLICE-associated huge) protein, to amplify the death signal. PML NBs are also associated with other nuclear domains including Cajal bodies and nucleoli and share apoptotic regulators with these domains, implying crosstalk between NBs in apoptosis regulation. In conclusion, PML NBs appear to regulate cell death decisions through different, pathway-specific molecular mechanisms.
Insights
Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) regulate cell death by recruiting tumor suppressors like p53 and releasing apoptotic factors. These nuclear bodies are key to controlling apoptosis, senescence, and tumor suppression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
Background:
- Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are dynamic protein complexes involved in crucial cellular processes.
- Components of PML NBs play significant roles in apoptosis, senescence regulation, and tumor suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which PML NBs control cellular responses like apoptosis and senescence.
- To understand the role of PML NBs in response to genotoxic stress and oncogenic transformation.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the recruitment and release of proteins by PML NBs.
- It examines the interaction of PML NBs with other cellular components and their role in signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- PML NBs recruit tumor suppressors such as p53, CBP, and HIPK2, which regulate p53 activity to drive senescence and apoptosis.
- PML NBs can act as depots releasing apoptotic factors like FLASH to amplify death signals upon death-receptor activation.
- Crosstalk between PML NBs and other nuclear domains (Cajal bodies, nucleoli) in apoptosis regulation is suggested.
Conclusions:
- PML NBs are critical regulators of cell death decisions.
- They employ diverse, pathway-specific molecular mechanisms to control apoptosis and senescence.
- Further understanding of PML NB function is crucial for cancer research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Caspases
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.

