Human Apoptosis-inducing factor 1, mitochondrial,AIFM1 ELI

Functions both as NADH oxidoreductase and as regulator of apoptosis (PubMed:20362274, PubMed:23217327, PubMed:17094969).

In response to apoptotic stimuli, it is released from the mitochondrion intermembrane space into the cytosol and to the nucleus, where it functions as a proapoptotic factor in a caspase-independent pathway.

The soluble form (AIFsol) found in the nucleus induces 'parthanatos' i.e.

caspase-independent fragmentation of chromosomal DNA (By similarity).

Binds to DNA in a sequence-independent manner (PubMed:27178839).

Interacts with EIF3G, and thereby inhibits the EIF3 machinery and protein synthesis, and activates caspase-7 to amplify apoptosis (PubMed:17094969).

Plays a critical role in caspase-independent, pyknotic cell death in hydrogen peroxide-exposed cells (PubMed:19418225).

In contrast, participates in normal mitochondrial metabolism.

Plays an important role in the regulation of respiratory chain biogenesis by interacting with CHCHD4 and controlling CHCHD4 mitochondrial import (PubMed:26004228).

{ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9Z0X1, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17094969, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19418225, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20362274, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23217327, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26004228, ECO:0000269|PubMed:27178839}.; [Isoform 4]: Has NADH oxidoreductase activity.

Does not induce nuclear apoptosis.

{ECO:0000269|PubMed:16644725}.; [Isoform 5]: Pro-apoptotic isoform.

{ECO:0000269|PubMed:16365034}.