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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:42
Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c
Published on: June 29, 2011
A role for human neuroglobin in apoptosis
Thomas Brittain1, Joanna Skommer, Kristen Henty
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. T.Brittain@auckland.ac.nz
IUBMB Life
|December 31, 2010
Summary
Neuroglobin protects cells from apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial cytochrome c release. This review supports its central role in controlling programmed cell death in neurons.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuroglobin, a human heme protein, has been studied for its protective effects against cellular damage.
- High levels of neuroglobin demonstrably prevent apoptotic cell death under various stress conditions.
- Proposed mechanisms involving oxygen, nitric oxide, or free radical interactions lack in vivo substantiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the hypothesis that neuroglobin resets the trigger for mitochondrial cytochrome c release.
- To integrate existing data on neuroglobin's intracellular functions.
- To propose a central role for neuroglobin in apoptosis control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neuroglobin's function and mechanism of action.
- Analysis of preliminary experimental data and published research.
- Integration of diverse intracellular functions of neuroglobin.
Main Results:
- Accumulated evidence supports the hypothesis that neuroglobin modulates mitochondrial cytochrome c release.
- Neuroglobin's role extends beyond simple antioxidant or radical scavenging activities.
- Data suggests a specific mechanism related to the apoptotic pathway.
Conclusions:
- Neuroglobin plays a critical role in regulating the commitment of cells to apoptosis.
- The protein's primary function involves resetting the threshold for mitochondrial cytochrome c release.
- Neuroglobin is proposed as a key intracellular regulator of programmed cell death, particularly in neurons.
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