Regulation of apoptosis and cytokinesis by the anti-apoptotic E2/E3 ubiquitin-ligase BRUCE.

Abstract

Members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family are key regulators of apoptosis as they bind and inhibit caspases and other pro-apoptotic factors. Recent findings suggest that these proteins play additional roles, e.g., in cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Here, we review the function of BRUCE (BIR repeat-containing ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), an unusual 528-kDa IAP with ubiquitin ligase activity, and describe its role in apoptosis and cytokinesis. Additionally, we discuss how these seemingly unrelated functions might be linked.