Cavitation of embryoid bodies requires optimal oxidative phosphorylation and AIF.

摘要

Apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), which is encoded by the pcd8 gene on the X chromosome, is a protein that is normally present in mitochondria.1-2 The AIF flavoprotein can participate in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species,3 and normal AIF levels are required for the assembly and/or maintenance of the complex I of the respiratory chain.4 Thus, AlF-deficient human and mouse cells manifest a reduced abundance and function of complex I that may results from a deficient antioxidant defense in mitochondria.5 Upon outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, a process that generally occurs during apoptosis,6 AIF translocates from mitochondria via the cytoso! to the nucleus where it participates in apoptotic chromatin condensation, presumably through a direct interaction with DNA.4 AIF can also participate in apoptotic chromatinolysis, presumably by recruiting catabolic enzymes to the so-called degradosome.