p38 MAP kinase and Akt regulate Bax translocation from mitochondria during ceramide-mediated apoptosis

Ceramide is an important lipid messenger involved in mediating a variety of cell functions including apoptosis. Previously, we have shown that ceramide induces Bax translocation which is associated with cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. In this study, we show that p38 MAP kinase is involved in ceramide-induced Bax translocation. In human leukemic cells, ceramide stimulated the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. Preincubation of cells with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 inhibited DNA fragmentation induced by cell-permeable ceramide. (omitted)