Failure of Bcl-2 to block cytochrome c redistribution during TRAIL-induced apoptosis

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF family of cytokines that promotes apoptosis and NF-kB activation. Here we show that recombinant hu-TRAIL initiates the activation of multiple caspases, the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, the cleavage of BID and the redistribution of mitochondrial cytochrome c. However, whereas Bcl-2 efficiently blocked UV radiation-induced cytochrome c release and consequent apoptosis of CEM cells, it failed to do either in the context of TRAIL treatment. Thus, TRAIL engages a death pathway that is at least partially routed via the mitochondria, but in contrast with other stimuli that engage this pathway, TRAIL induced cytochrome c release is not regulated by Bcl-2.