Poly(ADP-ribose) makes a date with death

James T. Heeres, Paul J. Hergenrother

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes catalyze the conversion of NAD+ to polymers of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). Although its role in the DNA-damage response has long been recognized, recent work indicates that PAR itself acts at the mitochondria to directly induce cell death through stimulation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release. This review discusses PAR synthesis and degradation, and the role of PAR misregulation in various disease states. Attention is given to opportunities for therapeutic intervention with small molecules that are involved in PAR signaling, with specific focus on poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) and AIF.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)644-653
Number of pages10
JournalCurrent Opinion in Chemical Biology
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

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