PUMA (DBH3) Adenovirus

PUMA (p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis) is a BH3-only protein. Each of the BH3-only group of proteins contains an amphipathic Bcl-2 homology (BH) domain. These proteins act as sensors of discrete apoptotic stimuli, antagonizing or activating the function of multidomain Bcl-2 family proteins by interacting with them. This in turn triggers a cascade of downstream events, such as the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of the apoptogenic mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c and SMAC, and activation of caspases.

PUMA plays a vital role in mediating the apoptotic responses to p53. It can be activated by p53 directly through p53-responsive elements in its promoter region. The PUMA protein interacts with Bcl-XL and promotes mitochondrial translocation and multimerization of Bax.

This adenovirus expresses human PUMA gene with a 15-aa deletion of the BH3 domain.

Reference: Yu J., et al., Mol Cell. 2001 Mar;7(3):673-82. PUMA induces the rapid apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.