Negative regulation of NaF-induced apoptosis by Bad–CAII complex

Fluoride is used to prevent caries in dentistry. However, its mechanism of cytotoxicity induction is unclear. This study was undertaken to determine whether sodium fluoride (NaF) induces apoptosis in human oral cells and if so, whether Bad protein is involved in the process. NaF showed higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-2) than against human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Western blot analysis showed that NaF enhanced the expression and dephosphorylation of Bad protein. This study demonstrates for the first time that Bad protein forms a complex with carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), and NaF stimulates the detachment of CAII from the Bad–CAII complex and the replacement by the formation of Bad–Bcl-2 complex. Knockdown of Bad and CAII mRNA by siRNA inhibited and enhanced the NaF-induced caspase activation, respectively. The present study suggests that CAII negatively regulates the NaF-induced apoptosis by forming a complex with Bad.

► NaF-induced apoptosis in oral cancer cells but not in oral normal cells.
► Bad protein is involved in NaF-induced apoptosis.
► Bad protein forms a complex with carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and NaF stimulates the detachment of Bad–CAII complex.