Bcl-2 family: life-or-death switch.
The Bcl-2 family of proteins that consists of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members determines life-or-death of a cell by controlling the release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors, cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), that activate downstream executional phases, including the activation of death proteases called caspases. Cytochrome c release is, thus, central to apoptotic signal transduction in mammals, making study of the mechanism for cytochrome c release a major issue. Several models for cytochrome c release have been proposed, including rupture of mitochondrial outer membrane and involvement of a specific channel. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings on the role of Bcl-2 family members in the life-or-death decision of a cell.
Tsujimoto
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Y
Department of Medical Genetics, Biomedical Research Center, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, CREST of Japan Science and Technology Corp. (JST), 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan. tsuijimot@gene.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Shimizu
S
S
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D018272:Porins / Q000378:metabolism; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D050994:Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels; D051020:bcl-X Protein
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D018272:Porins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D050994:Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels; D051020:bcl-X Protein; D020169:Caspases