Poly(ADP-ribose) signals to mitochondrial AIF: A key event in parthanatos

Yingfei Wang, Valina L. Dawson, Ted M. Dawson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

317 Scopus citations

Abstract

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) plays a pivotal role in multiple neurologic diseases by mediating caspase-independent cell death, which has recently been designated parthanatos to distinguish it from other forms of cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. Mitochondrial apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release and translocation to the nucleus is the commitment point for parthanatos. This process involves a pathogenic role of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymer. It generates in the nucleus and translocates to the mitochondria to mediate AIF release following lethal PARP-1 activation. PAR polymer itself is toxic to cells. Thus, PAR polymer signaling to mitochondrial AIF is the key event initiating the deadly crosstalk between the nucleus and the mitochondria in parthanatos. Targeting PAR-mediated AIF release could be a potential approach for the therapy of neurologic disorders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)193-202
Number of pages10
JournalExperimental Neurology
Volume218
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

Keywords

  • AIF
  • Calpain
  • Cell death
  • PAR
  • PARP-1
  • Parthanatos
  • poly(ADP-ribose)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience

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