NCBI Summary:
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily. This receptor is activated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TNFSF10/TRAIL), and thus transduces cell death signal and induces cell apoptosis. Studies with FADD-deficient mice suggested that FADD, a death domain containing adaptor protein, is required for the apoptosis mediated by this protein.
General function
Receptor, Apoptosis
Comment
Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
Comment
Ovarian function
Follicle atresia
Comment
Roles of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand signaling pathway in granulosa cell apoptosis during atresia in pig ovaries Inoue N, et al .
To reveal the molecular mechanism of selective follicular atresia in porcine ovaries, Inoue N, et al
investigated the changes in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptor (DR4) proteins and TRAIL mRNA in granulosa cells during follicular atresia. Immunohistochemical, Western immunoblotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses (RT-PCR) revealed that significant increases in TRAIL protein and mRNA levels but not DR4 protein were changed during atresia. The RT-PCR product was confirmed to be porcine TRAIL by the cDNA sequence determination. An in vitro apoptosis inducing assay using cultured granulosa cells prepared from healthy follicles showed that TRAIL could activate caspase-3 and induce apoptotic cell death in the cells. The present findings confirm that TRAIL induces apoptosis in granulosa cells during atresia in porcine ovaries.