Neurodegeneration: A non-apoptotic role for AIF in the brain

Curr Biol. 2003 Jan 8;13(1):R19-21. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(02)01382-9.

Abstract

A recent report provides new insights into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. In a mouse mutant with progressive cerebellar and retinal degeneration, the expression of the apoptotic protein AIF was found to be downregulated leading paradoxically to apoptosis of neurons that is associated with an imbalance in free radical metabolism and cell cycle re-entry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Apoptosis Inducing Factor
  • Ataxia / genetics
  • Ataxia / pathology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Flavoproteins / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism

Substances

  • Apoptosis Inducing Factor
  • Flavoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • AIFM1 protein, mouse
  • Oxidoreductases