Role of acidic sphingomyelinase in Fas/CD95-mediated cell death

Tesu Lin, Laurent Genestier, Michael J. Pinkoski, Arturo Castro, Shelby Nicholas, Rona Mogil, Francois Paris, Zvi Fuks, Edward H. Schuchman, Richard N. Kolesnick, Douglas R. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

129 Scopus citations

Abstract

Engagement of the Fas receptor has been reported to induce ceramide generation via activation of acidic sphingomyelinase (aSMase). However, the role of aSMase in Fas-mediated cell death is controversial. Using genetically engineered mice deficient in the aSMase gene (aSMase(-/-)), we found that thymocytes, concanavalin A-activated T cells, and lipopolysaccharide- activated B cells derived from both aSMase(-/-) and aSMase(+/+) mice were equally sensitive to Fas-mediated cell death, triggered by either anti-Fas antibody or Fas ligand in vitro. Similarly, activation-induced apoptosis of T lymphocytes was unaffected by the status of aSMase, and aSMase(-/-) mice failed to show immunological symptoms seen in animals with defects in Fas function. In vivo, intravenous injection of 3 μg/25 g mouse body weight of anti-Fas Jo2 antibody into aSMase(-/-) mice failed to affect hepatocyte apoptosis or mortality, whereas massive hepatocyte apoptosis and animal death occurred in wild type littermates. Animals heterozygous for aSMase deficiency were also significantly protected. Susceptibility of aSMase(-/-) mice to anti-Fas antibody was demonstrated with higher antibody doses (≥4 μg/25 g mouse). These data indicate a role for aSMase in Fas-mediated cell death in some but not all tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8657-8663
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume275
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 24 Mar 2000

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