The brain protein S-100ab induces apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Incubation of PC12 cells with S-100 protein induces a rapid (0.5-1.0 min) rise of intracellular Ca2+ which lasts for the whole period of incubation. This effect is abolished in a Ca(2+)-free medium or in the presence of 1.0 microM Ni2+, an inhibitor of calcium channels. The rise in intracellular Ca2+ is followed by a progressive increase of cells undergoing degeneration and death. This event is accompanied by the appearance of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation typical of the process known as apoptosis. S-100-induced cell death is prevented by 1 microM Ni2+ or by 0.1 nM cycloheximide, suggesting the involvement of new protein synthesis. It is postulated that the binding of S-100ab to specific sites present in PC12 cells is followed by the formation of Ca2+ channels and/or the stimulation of pre-existing ones with consequent increase of Ca2+ influx and activation of a process of cell death.