Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles
08:35

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles

Published on: October 5, 2012

8.4K

Phylogenetically Distant Viruses Use the Same BH3-Only Protein Puma to Trigger Bax/Bak-Dependent Apoptosis of

Emanuela Papaianni1, Souhayla El Maadidi2, Andrea Schejtman3

  • 1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, I-98166, Messina, Italy; The Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133, Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Stefan Meier Strasse 17, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.

Plos One
|June 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Viruses induce host cell apoptosis via outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MOMP). This study identifies the BH3-only protein Puma as a key mediator of virus-induced MOMP and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Viruses can induce apoptosis in host cells through outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MOMP).
  • The precise mechanisms by which viruses trigger MOMP remain unclear.
  • Anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2 homologs, can counteract virus-induced apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of virus-induced MOMP and apoptosis.
  • To identify key cellular proteins involved in viral apoptosis.
  • To investigate the role of the BH3-only protein Puma in virus-induced MOMP.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV) in cell culture models.
  • Employed genetic deletion and shRNA to downregulate Puma expression.
  • Assessed apoptosis and MOMP induction in various cell types, including mouse embryonic fibroblasts, monocytes, and human colon carcinoma cells.
  • Analyzed Puma protein and mRNA levels post-infection.
  • Investigated the involvement of transcription factors p53, p73, and p65 NFκB.

Main Results:

  • Puma is identified as the major mediator of virus-induced Bax/Bak activation and MOMP.
  • Cells lacking Puma were resistant to virus-induced apoptosis, similar to Bax/Bak double-deficient cells.
  • Puma protein expression increased post-infection with both HSV-1 and SFV.
  • Puma mRNA upregulation occurred after MOMP initiation, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism.
  • Classical Puma transcription factors were not involved in HSV-1-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Viruses utilize a Puma protein-dependent pathway to trigger MOMP and apoptosis in host cells.
  • Puma acts as a critical link between viral infection and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
  • This finding reveals a novel mechanism of viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

More Related Videos

Tyramide Signal Amplification for the Immunofluorescent Staining of ZBP1-Dependent Phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL After HSV-1 Infection in Human Cells09:15

Tyramide Signal Amplification for the Immunofluorescent Staining of ZBP1-Dependent Phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL After HSV-1 Infection in Human Cells

Published on: October 20, 2022

3.0K
Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death10:23

Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death

Published on: January 20, 2023

4.0K

Related Concept Videos

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
9.3K
Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside...
14.6K
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
9.4K
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
667
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...
48
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
1.5K