Pro-apoptotic Bax promotes mesenchymal-epithelial transition by binding to respiratory complex-I and antagonizing the malignant actions of pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins

The plasticity of solid tumors between the epithelial and mesenchymal states critically influences their malignant progression and metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which supports cancer cell invasion and metastasis, is promoted by pro-survival members (e.g., Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL) of the Bcl-2 protein family, which are well-known key apoptosis regulators. We found that Bcl-w, another pro-survival member, promotes EMT by increasing respiratory complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
Source: Cancer Letters - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research