Arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein (AIRAP) protects cells from arsenite toxicity

Citation
J. Sok et al., Arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein (AIRAP) protects cells from arsenite toxicity, CELL STR CH, 6(1), 2001, pp. 6-15
Citations number
34
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Cell & Developmental Biology
Journal title
CELL STRESS & CHAPERONES
ISSN journal
1355-8145 → ACNP
Volume
6
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
6 - 15
Database
ISI
SICI code
1355-8145(200101)6:1<6:ARP(PC>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
Exposure of cells to arsenicals activates multiple stress pathways resultin g in the induction of specific genes whose identity and role in the adaptat ion to arsenical-induced cellular stress are poorly understood. We report h ere the identification of a novel gene encoding an arsenite-inducible, cyst eine- and histidine-rich RNA-associated protein, AIRAP, that is conserved a mong mammals, Drosophila and C elegans. Immunochemistry and cell fractionat ion experiments indicate that, when induced, AIRAP is present in both the n ucleus and the cytoplasm, and cross-linking experiments indicate that it as sociates with RNA in vivo. The expression of a C elegans homologue of AIRAP , aip-l, is also induced by exposure to arsenite, and expression of an aip- 1::gfp transgene is most pronounced in hypodermal cells. RNA-mediated inter ference (RNAi) of aip-1 lowers the resistance of nematodes to arsenite yet does not appear to affect viability under standard growth conditions. These experiments suggest a role for AIRAP/AIP-1 in protecting cells from the to xic effects of arsenite.