FIG. 10.

Cytoplasmic partners of apoptogenic AIF. After release into the cytoplasm, AIF can promote apoptosis by interacting with TULA, eIF3g, and phospholipid scramblase, the pro-death partners. Scythe facilitates cell death by regulating stability and lifetime of the cytoplasmic AIF precursor, wherein CypA assists cytonuclear translocation of apoptogenic AIF. Contrarily, Hsp70 retains AIF in the cytoplasm and, hence, can postpone or prevent initiation of the nuclear apoptosis. XIAP is another pro-life partner, which in co-operation with AIF reduces reactive oxygen species levels and promotes cell survival. CypA, cyclophilin A; eIF3g, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit p44; Hsp70, 70 kDa heat shock protein; TULA, T-cell ubiquitin ligand; XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein.