Apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondrion-associated 3 (AIFM3)

Apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondrion-associated 3 (AIFM3) is a mitochondrial protein (66 kDa, 598 amino acids) encoded on chromosome 22q11.21. It contains two major domains: an iron-sulfur FeS-P Rieske domain critical for apoptosis induction and a pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase domain similar to the canonical apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). AIFM3 is mainly localized in mitochondria, with additional cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum distribution. It induces apoptosis via mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-dependent pathways, and is involved in maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidoreductase activity. AIFM3 is overexpressed in cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma and breast cancer, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target, especially for prognosis monitoring. Increased serum levels of AIFM3 correlate with poor survival and aggressive disease progression in some cancers.

Other names

AIFM3AIFLApoptosis-inducing factor-like proteinApoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondria-associated 3Apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondria associated 3FLJ30473

Apoptosis induction via mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential