Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as mediators of programmed cell death (PCD). PCD is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. The Bcl-2 protein suppresses various types of apoptotic and in some cases necrotic cell death. The Bcl-2 protein is located at sites of free radical generation such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. However, it's mechanism of action is unknown. It has been suggested the Bcl-2 protein may act via an antioxidant mechanism to prevent PCD. To determine whether the Bcl-2 protein itself has antioxidant properties we tested the purified protein directly in our assay systems. We compared the action of the Bcl-2 protein with that of well known antioxidant proteins: catalase, glutathione peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase. We conclude that, in our assay systems, Bcl-2 appears not to show any significant 02'", H2U2 or organic peroxide-removing activity when compared with the above proteins.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 532S |
Journal | Biochemical Society transactions |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1996 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Biochemistry