Human Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) Protein

Background

Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein that plays a dual role in cellular processes, including apoptosis and redox homeostasis. Under normal conditions, AIF resides in the mitochondria, where it participates in oxidative phosphorylation and protects against reactive oxygen species (ROS). During apoptotic signaling, AIF translocates from the mitochondria to the nucleus, where it triggers chromatin condensation and large-scale DNA fragmentation in a caspase-independent manner. This makes AIF a key mediator of programmed cell death in response to mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress. Dysregulation of AIF is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, where mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death contribute to disease progression. Additionally, AIF mutations have been linked to mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and other metabolic disorders. Targeting AIF-related pathways is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for conditions involving excessive cell death or mitochondrial dysfunction.