Damage-regulated autophagy modulator 1 (DRAM1),a novel p53 target gene, is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal protein and plays an essential role in p53-dependent autophagy activation and apoptosis (Crighton et al, 2006).The mecha nisms through which DRAM1 promotes autophagy and apoptosis are not clear.Uncovering the molecular mechanism through which DRAM1 regulates autophagy and apoptosis would provide a better understanding of the role of p53 in the regulation of cell death and survival.In in vivo studies, we have shown that 3-ni tropropionic acid (3-NP), an inhibitor of mitochondrial respira tory complex Ⅱ, induces autophagy activation and cell death in rat striatum through p53.