Modulation of Bcl-x Alternative Splicing Induces Apoptosis of Human Hepatic Stellate Cells

Figure 1

Regulation of apoptosis by Bcl-2 family proteins. (a) The apoptotic pathway is initiated when apoptotic stimuli activate BH3-only members and indirectly induce apoptosis through antagonism of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. (b) Direction of Bcl-x alternative splicing by SSO. Alternative splicing of Bcl-x pre-mRNA yields antiapoptotic Bcl- and proapoptotic Bcl-. SSO redirects the splicing machinery and results in a simultaneous decrease in production of Bcl- and increase in production of Bcl-.

(a)

(b)