A Novel Apoptotic Molecule Bok for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Abstract
We have shown by transient expression of hBok that this member of the Bc1-2 pro-apoptotic family is unique since its translocation to the nucleus is important for protein to induced apoptosis. Concern were raised since our observation did not apply to endogenous Bok. We are now in a position to detect endogenous Bok by western Blot analysis and have shown that endogenous Bok is present in the cytoplasm and nucleus of HeLa cells but only in the nucleus of MDA-MB-231 cells suggesting that the intracellular localization of Bok is cell type specific. Bax is translocated from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria upon the induction of apoptosis by the kinase inhibitor staurosporine. We therefore treated HeLa cells with staurosporine to determine if Bok translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is induced by staurosporine. We show that unlik, Bax, cytoplasmic Bok is modified by a non-phosphorylation event prior to being translocated to the nucleus. We are currently in the processes of confirming if this modification is required for the overall mechanism of Bok-induced apoptosis or is a staurosporin dependent event. In addition, we hope to identify the type of modification observed in Bok and determine its significance in Bok-induced apoptosis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425599
Entities
People
- Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center