Gene Expression, Antibody Preparation And Distribution In Lymphoma Of Human Bit1 Protein

Apoptosis, also called programmed cell death, is an irreversible death process of cells. There are many factors that can affect cell apoptosis. Bcl-2 is one of the most important regulators in the cell. Jan et al. identified bitl (bcl-2 inhibitor of transcription 1) gene by searching for proteins that can regulate bcl-2 gene expression through bcl-2 promotor. bitl gene locates at 17q23.2. It encodes a predicted 179-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 27 kD. It contains an N-terminal mitochondria localization sequence and a C-terminal UPF0099 domain. Northern blot analysis detected a 1-kb Bitl transcript expressed prominently in testis, prostate, skeletal muscle, and liver, with lower expression in heart, spleen, placenta, and colon. No significant expression was detected in thymus or peripheral leukocytes. Bitl is a mitochondrial protein that is released into cytoplasm during apoptosis. Cytoplasmic Bitl forms a complex with AES (Amino-terminal Enhancer of Split ) and induces cell death with characteristics of caspase-independent apoptosis. Cell attachment to fibronectin conteracts the apoptotic effect of Bitl and AES.Although Bitl, together with AES, takes part in the apoptosis...