PEP-19 is a calmodulin-regulatory protein found specifically within neurons
, though cellular functions of this protein have not been determined. In an
effort to define potential effects of PEP-19, PC12 cell lines expressing t
his protein were generated and subjected to apoptotic stimuli. As measured
by LDH release, cell death in PEP-19 expressing cells was 2- to 5-fold less
following u.v. irradiation, and 2- to 4-fold less following staurosporine
treatment than controls. Additionally, PEP-19-expressing cells displayed de
creased DNA ladder formation, chromatin condensation, and caspase activatio
n following staurosporine treatment. Overall, these results demonstrate tha
t PEP-19 can inhibit apoptotic processes in PC12 cells, suggesting a potent
ial regulatory mechanism for pathways leading to cell death. NeuroReport 11
:3719-3723 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.