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Figure 3. Ionising radiation (IR)-induced transcription of pro-apoptotic receptor mRNAs. Sublethal doses of IR induce upregulation of mRNA coding for "death" receptors (Fas, DR4, DR5). The gene products accumulate at the cell surface where their encounter with death ligand (Fas ligand and TRAIL) triggers the assembly of cytoplastic proteins (FADD and pro-caspase 8) at the plasma membrane, leading to the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, with subsequent apoptosis.
