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Apoptosis-inducing factor: a mitochondrial protein associated with metabolic diseases-a narrative review

Liang Zong1,2, Zhou Liang3

  • 1College of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.

Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
|July 5, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is crucial in regulating cell metabolism and mediating apoptosis in metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Understanding AIF

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biology
  • Cellular metabolism
  • Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis

Background:

  • Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein involved in apoptosis.
  • AIF acts as a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent oxidoreductase, regulating cellular metabolism.
  • Its roles extend to antioxidant stress, mitochondrial autophagy, and glucose uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of AIF in metabolic regulation.
  • To summarize recent research on AIF's role in metabolic diseases.
  • To elucidate the AIF-mediated apoptotic process in metabolic contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of AIF and metabolic diseases using PubMed.
  • Search terms included "apoptosis", "metabolism", "metabolic diseases", and "apoptosis-inducing factor".
  • Manual screening of English-language publications from October 1996 to June 2022.

Main Results:

  • AIF plays a significant role in various metabolic diseases.
  • Key diseases include diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and tumor metabolism.
  • AIF mediates these effects through the induction of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • AIF is a key mediator in a range of metabolic diseases.
  • Further understanding of AIF's function can expand knowledge of metabolic regulation.
  • AIF may represent a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.
Keywords:
Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)apoptosismetabolic diseasesmitochondriaoxidoreductase

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