GIDE is a mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase that induces apoptosis and slows growth.

Here, we report the identification of GIDE, a mitochondrially located E3 ubiquitin ligase. GIDE contains a C-terminal RING finger domain, which is mostly conserved with those of the IAP family members and is required for GIDE's E3 ligase activity. Overexpression of GIDE induces apoptosis via a pathway involving activation of caspases, since caspase inhibitors, XIAP and an inactive mutant of caspase-9 block GIDE-induced apoptosis. GIDE also activates JNK, and blockage of JNK activation inhibits GIDE-induced release of cytochrome c and Smac as well as apoptosis, suggesting that JNK activation precedes release of cytochrome c and Smac and is required for GIDE-induced apoptosis. These pro-apoptotic properties of GIDE require its E3 ligase activity. When somewhat over- or underexpressed, GIDE slows or accelerates cell growth, respectively. These pro-apoptotic or growth inhibition effects of GIDE may account for its absence in tumor cells.