Induction of apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cells by BH3 peptides which inhibit Bak/Bcl-2 interactions
2001
Inducing Cell Death in Prostate Cancer with BH3 Peptides
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Finnegan N M, Curtin J F, Prevost G, Morgan B, Cotter T G
Primary Institution: Dept of Biochemistry, University College Cork
Hypothesis
Can BH3 peptides that inhibit Bak/Bcl-2 interactions induce apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cells?
Conclusion
The study found that synthetic BH3 peptides can induce up to 40% apoptosis in prostate cancer cells by blocking Bak/Bcl-2 interactions.
Supporting Evidence
- The introduction of BH3 peptides led to a significant increase in apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.
- Caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk was shown to protect against apoptosis induced by the peptides.
- Immunoprecipitation studies confirmed that BH3 peptides blocked Bak/Bcl-2 heterodimerization.
Takeaway
Scientists found a way to make cancer cells die by using special pieces of proteins that stop them from being protected.
Methodology
Prostate cells were treated with synthetic BH3 peptides, and apoptosis was measured after 48 hours.
Participant Demographics
Prostate cancer cells were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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