Modulator of Apoptosis 1: A Highly Regulated RASSF1A-Interacting BH3-Like Protein. (14th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Law, Jennifer; Yu, Victor C.; Baksh, Shairaz
• Other Names: Lim Dae-Sik Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Molecular biology international. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-06-14
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology; Molecular biology; Electronic journals; Periodical; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/536802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2182

Abstract

Abstract : Modulator of apoptosis 1 (MOAP-1) is a BH3-like protein that plays key roles in both the intrinsic and extrinsic modes of cell death or apoptosis. MOAP-1 is part of the Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A)/MOAP-1 pro-apoptotic extrinsic signaling pathway that regulates apoptosis by utilizing death receptors such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α ) or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to inhibit abnormal growth. RASSF1A is a bona fide tumor suppressor gene that is epigenetically silenced by promoter-specific methylation in numerous human cancers. MOAP-1 is a downstream effector of RASSF1A that promotes Bax activation and cell death and is highly regulated during apoptosis. We speculate that MOAP-1 and RASSF1A are important elements of an "apoptotic checkpoint" that directly influences the outcome of cell death. The failure to regulate this pro-apoptotic pathway may result in the appearance of cancer and possibly other disorders. Although loss of RASSF1A expression is frequently observed in human cancers, it is currently unknown if MOAP-1 expression may also be affected during carcinogenesis to result in uncontrolled malignant growth. In this article, we will summarize what is known about the biological role(s) of MOAP-1 and how it functions as a downstream effector to RASSF1A.