c-Rel Deficiency Increases Caspase-4 Expression and Leads to ER Stress and Necrosis in EBV-Transformed Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Valentín-Acevedo, Aníbal Sinquett, Frank L. Covey, Lori R.
Primary Institution: Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Hypothesis
How does low c-Rel expression affect proliferation and survival in EBV-transformed B cells?
Conclusion
Low c-Rel expression in EBV-transformed B cells leads to increased ER stress and necrotic cell death instead of apoptosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Low c-Rel expression leads to defects in cell proliferation and survival.
- Pt1 cells undergo necrotic cell death instead of apoptosis.
- Increased expression of caspase-4 is linked to low c-Rel levels.
- Cells exhibit high levels of cellular and ER stress.
- Autophagy is activated as a survival strategy but is insufficient.
- Gene expression profiling shows upregulation of stress-related genes.
Takeaway
When a certain protein called c-Rel is low in specific immune cells, those cells struggle to grow and can die in a messy way instead of the usual programmed way.
Methodology
The study used EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines to analyze the effects of c-Rel deficiency on cell proliferation, survival, and stress responses.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a single patient-derived cell line, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a patient with hyper-IgM syndrome and control healthy donors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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