Cytochrome c release and apoptosis induced by mitochondrial targeting of nuclear orphan receptor TR3

Science. 2000 Aug 18;289(5482):1159-64. doi: 10.1126/science.289.5482.1159.

Abstract

TR3, an immediate-early response gene and an orphan member of the steroid-thyroid hormone-retinoid receptor superfamily of transcription factors, regulates apoptosis through an unknown mechanism. In response to apoptotic stimuli, TR3 translocates from the nucleus to mitochondria to induce cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Mitochondrial targeting of TR3, but not its DNA binding and transactivation, is essential for its proapoptotic effect. Our results reveal a mechanism by which a nuclear transcription factor translocates to mitochondria to initiate apoptosis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis*
  • Cell Fractionation
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cytochrome c Group / metabolism*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / physiology
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Cytochrome c Group
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • NR4A1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA
  • leptomycin B