TNF-induced mitochondrial changes and activation of apoptotic proteases are inhibited by A20
D Wissing1, H Mouritzen, M Jäättelä
1Apoptosis Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Biology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen.
Abstract:
A20 zinc finger protein is a product of a cytokine-induced primary response gene. It functions as a negative regulator of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibiting both TNF-mediated apoptosis and activation of transcription factors. We demonstrated that A20 overexpression blocks early TNF-induced signaling events including the generation of free radicals, the fall in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi(m)), and the activation of caspase-3-like apoptotic proteases. General inhibitor of caspases, cow pox virus-derived CrmA, also inhibited TNF-induced mitochondrial changes indicating that early caspase activation occurs upstream from mitochondrial changes. Interestingly, changes in mitochondrial function or induction of caspase-3-like activity induced by anti-Fas or doxorubicin were not inhibited by A20. The data show that A20 is a specific inhibitor of TNF signaling and acts upstream of INF-induced free radical formation, fall in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi(m)), and activation of caspase-3-like proteases.
Insights
A20 protein negatively regulates tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. Overexpression of A20 blocks TNF-induced apoptosis, free radical generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically inhibiting TNF pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Immunology
Background:
- A20 is a cytokine-induced gene product.
- A20 acts as a negative regulator of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
- It inhibits TNF-mediated apoptosis and transcription factor activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of A20 in TNF signaling pathways.
- To determine the specific inhibitory effects of A20 on TNF-induced cellular events.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression of A20 in cellular models.
- Analysis of TNF-induced signaling events, including free radical generation, mitochondrial potential changes, and caspase activation.
- Comparison with general caspase inhibitors (CrmA) and other stimuli (anti-Fas, doxorubicin).
Main Results:
- A20 overexpression blocked early TNF-induced signaling, including free radical generation, mitochondrial depolarization, and caspase-3-like protease activation.
- A general caspase inhibitor (CrmA) also inhibited TNF-induced mitochondrial changes, suggesting early caspase activation.
- A20 did not inhibit mitochondrial or caspase activity induced by anti-Fas or doxorubicin, indicating specificity.
Conclusions:
- A20 is a specific inhibitor of TNF signaling.
- A20 acts upstream of TNF-induced free radical formation, mitochondrial potential loss, and caspase activation.
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