Interrelated roles for Mcl-1 and Bim in regulation of TRAIL-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis

Authors:
Han J, Goldstein LA, Gastman BR, Rabinowich H
In:
Source: J Biol Chem
Publication Date: (2006)
Issue: 281(15): 10153-63
Research Area:
Cancer Research/Cell Biology
Cells used in publication:
HeLa
Species: human
Tissue Origin: cervix
HCT 116
Species: human
Tissue Origin: colon
Platform:
Nucleofector® I/II/2b
Abstract
The current study demonstrates a novel cross-talk mechanism between the TRAIL receptor death signaling pathway and the mitochondria. This newly identified pathway is regulated at the mitochondrial outer membrane by a complex between the prosurvival Bcl-2 member, Mcl-1 and the BH3-only protein, Bim. Under nonapoptotic conditions, Bim is sequestered by Mcl-1. Direct degradation of Mcl-1 by TRAIL-activated caspase-8 or caspase-3 produce Mcl-1-free Bim that mediates a Bax-dependent apoptotic cascade. Using Mcl-1 or Bim RNAi, we demonstrate that a loss in Mcl-1 expression significantly enhances the mitochondrial apoptotic response to TRAIL that is now mediated by freed Bim. Whereas overexpression of Mcl-1 contributes to the preservation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, Mcl-1 knockdown facilitates the Bim-mediated dissipation of this potential. Loss of Mcl-1 contributes to an increased level of caspase activity downstream of the mitochondrial response to TRAIL. Furthermore, the Mcl-1 expression level at the mitochondrial outer membrane determines the release efficiency for the apoptogenic proteins cytochrome c, Smac and HtrA2 in response to Bim. These are the first findings to demonstrate the involvement of Bim in the TRAIL-mediated mitochondrial cascade. They also suggest that Mcl-1 may serve as a direct substrate for TRAIL-activated caspases implying the existence of a novel TRAIL/Caspase-8 (and/or Caspase-3)/Mcl-1/Bim communication mechanism between the extrinsic and the intrinsic apoptotic pathways.