Fig. 2

Stat1 over-expression leads to neuronal cell death. Neuro-2a cells were transfected with Stat1 expressing plasmid (STAT1-pEGFP-N3) or vector (control plasmid) (a) and negative control siRNA or siRNA against Stat1 (b). Real-time PCR was done to check the expression of Stat1 after 24 h under these conditions. Stat1 over-expression induced cytochrome c release while siRNA against Stat1 was sufficient to partially rescue the increased cytochrome c release (c, d). Neuro-2a cells were transfected with Stat1 over expressing and control plasmid, 24 h post transfection, cytosolic protein was isolated, and cytochrome c assay was done (c). Cells were co-transfected with 16Q-TBP/59Q-TBP constructs along with control siRNA and siRNA against Stat1 for 48 h, and after isolation of cytosolic protein fraction cytochrome c assay was done. (n = 3; **p value ≤ 0.01)