Microcin J25-Ga induces apoptosis in mammalian cells by inhibiting mitochondrial RNA-polymerase

María V. Niklison-Chirou, Fernando Dupuy, Lucila Saavedra, Elvira Hebert, Claudia Banchio, Carlos Minahk, Roberto D. Morero

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

MccJ25, an antimicrobial peptide, was unable to cause apoptosis of COS-7 cells in spite of inducing reactive-oxygen species overproduction as well as cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria. Surprisingly, MccJ25-Ga, an amidated variant of MccJ25 that displays similar anti-mitochondrial effects, did induce apoptosis in COS-7. The only difference found between the activities of these peptides was the unpredicted inhibition of mitochondrial RNA synthesis by MccJ25-Ga. These results led us to hypothesize that both mitochondrial RNA polymerase and mitochondrial membrane might be the molecular targets of MccJ25-Ga in mitochondria and this combined effect may lead to apoptosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)832-834
Number of pages3
JournalPeptides
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011

Funding

Financial support was provided by CONICET (Grant PIP 4996 ) and CIUNT (Grant 26/D228 ) and the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica (PICTO 843, PAE 22642). M.V.N. and F.D. were recipient of a CONICET fellowship. R.D.M., C.M., L.S., E.H. and C.B. are career investigator of CONICET. We want to thank to Dr. Manuel Aybar and Dr. Tristán Agüero for their generous assistance.

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Microcin
  • Mitochondria
  • RNA-polymerase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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