Definition: A flavoprotein that functions as a powerful antioxidant in the MITOCHONDRIA and promotes APOPTOSIS when released from the mitochondria. In mammalian cells AIF is released in response to pro-apoptotic protein members of the bcl-2 protein family. It translocates to the CELL NUCLEUS and binds DNA to stimulate CASPASE-independent CHROMATIN condensation.
INHIBITOR OF APOPTOSIS PROTEINS is also available
Other names Mitochondrial Apoptosis Inducing Factor; Apoptosis-Inducing Factor, Mitochondrial; Mitochondrial Apoptosis-Inducing Factor; Apoptosis-Inducing Factor; AIF Apoptosis Regulatory Protein
