A novel mitochondrial septin-like protein, ARTS, mediates apoptosis dependent on its P-loop motif

Nat Cell Biol. 2000 Dec;2(12):915-21. doi: 10.1038/35046566.

Abstract

Here we describe a protein product of the human septin H5/PNUTL2/CDCrel2b gene, which we call ARTS (for apoptosis-related protein in the TGF-beta signalling pathway). ARTS is expressed in many cells and acts to enhance cell death induced by TGF-beta or, to a lesser extent, by other apoptotic agents. Unlike related septin gene products, ARTS is localized to mitochondria and translocates to the nucleus when apoptosis occurs. Mutation of the P-loop of ARTS abrogates its competence to activate caspase 3 and to induce apoptosis. Taken together, these observations expand the functional attributes of septins previously described as having roles in cytokinesis and cellular morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Base Sequence
  • COS Cells
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / chemistry
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Enzyme Activation
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / chemistry
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / physiology*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Septins
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Caspases
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • SEPTIN4 protein, human
  • Septins