BaxΔ2 Family Alternative Splicing Salvages Bax Microsatellite-Frameshift Mutations.

Mutation or aberrant splicing can interrupt gene expression. Tumor suppressor Bax is one of the susceptible genes prone to microsatellite frameshifting mutations in coding regions. As a result, tumors exhibiting microsatellite instability (MSI) often present a "Bax-negative" phenotype.

BaxΔ2 is a novel bax isoform unique to microsatellite unstable tumors.

The pro-death Bcl-2 family protein and tumor suppressor Bax is frequently mutated in tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). The mutation often results in a "Bax negative" phenotype and therefore is generally thought to be beneficial to the development of the tumor. Here, we report the identification of a novel Bax isoform, BaxΔ2, which is unique to microsatellite unstable tumors.

Proteasomal degradation unleashes the pro-death activity of androgen receptor.

Androgen receptor (AR) is able to promote stress-induced cell death independently of its transcription activity in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Yet, the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. Here, we report that stress-induced proteasomal degradation of AR contributes to its pro-death activity.