Mcl-1 Is a Key Regulator of Apoptosis Resistance in Chlamydia trachomatis-Infected Cells
2008

Mcl-1 and Apoptosis Resistance in Chlamydia trachomatis-Infected Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rajalingam Krishnaraj, Sharma Manu, Lohmann Christine, Oswald Monique, Thieck Oliver, Froelich Christopher J., Rudel Thomas

Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology

Hypothesis

Mcl-1 up-regulation is crucial for maintaining apoptosis resistance in Chlamydia trachomatis-infected cells.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that Mcl-1 is essential for preventing apoptosis in cells infected with Chlamydia trachomatis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Inhibition of MAPK pathways sensitized infected cells to apoptosis.
  • Mcl-1 was significantly up-regulated in Chlamydia trachomatis-infected cells.
  • Depletion of Mcl-1 reversed the block in mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization.

Takeaway

Chlamydia bacteria can make infected cells resistant to dying, and they do this by increasing a protein called Mcl-1.

Methodology

The study used RNA interference and chemical inhibitors to analyze the role of Mcl-1 in apoptosis resistance in infected cells.

Limitations

The study did not explore the mechanisms of apoptosis resistance during the late phase of infection.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p≤0.0003

Statistical Significance

p≤0.0003

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003102

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