Apoptosis of L929 cells induced by tumor necrosis factor

: We investigated the mode of TNF-dependent death of L929 murine fibroblasts and the influence of overexpression of bcl-2 family genes on this process. Based on morphological and biochemical data it has been shown that L929 cells died after TNF treatment by apoptosis irrespective of TNF dose and protein synthesis inhibition. Analysis of bcl-2 family gene transfectants revealed a down-regulation of TNF-induced apoptosis by bcl-2 and bclX overexpression, and an up-regulation by bax gene.