TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human vascular endothelium is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt through the short form of cellular FLIP and Bcl-2.

Background: Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells plays a central role in angiogenesis and atherosclerosis. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of endothelial apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) following inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). It examines downstream regulation and activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.