The prosurvival Bcl-2 homolog Bfl-1/A1 is a direct transcriptional target of NF-kappa B that blocks TNFalpha -induced apoptosis

W.-X. Zong, Leonard C. Edelstein, Chi Chen, Jerry A. Bash, Céline Gélinas

Genes & Development · 1999 · 727 citations · 35 references

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TL;DR

Bcl‑2 family proteins regulate apoptosis, and NF‑κB–driven expression of Bfl‑1 in immune tissues supports its protective role in immunity. Promoter analysis revealed an NF‑κB binding site that drives Bfl‑1 transcription. Bfl‑1/A1 is a direct NF‑κB target that, when induced, can replace NF‑κB to block TNFα‑induced apoptosis and may mediate NF‑κB’s oncogenic and chemoresistance effects.

Abstract

Bcl-2-family proteins are key regulators of the apoptotic response. Here, we demonstrate that the pro-survival Bcl-2 homolog Bfl-1/A1 is a direct transcriptional target of NF-kappaB. We show that bfl-1 gene expression is dependent on NF-kappaB activity and that it can substitute for NF-kappaB to suppress TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. bfl-1 promoter analysis identified an NF-kappaB site responsible for its Rel/NF-kappaB-dependent induction. The expression of bfl-1 in immune tissues supports the protective role of NF-kappaB in the immune system. The activation of Bfl-1 may be the means by which NF-kappaB functions in oncogenesis and promotes cell resistance to anti-cancer therapy.

References

35