Remodeling for demolition: changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure during apoptosis.
The release of Cytochrome c from mitochondria is a pivotal event in the apoptotic process, but the precise mechanisms remain controversial. A recent paper proposes that this involves two steps, one involving permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane and a second in which the structural organization of the cristae changes to make Cytochrome c accessible for release. Both events are induced by proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family and appear to be separable.
Reed
John C
JC
The Burnham Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Green
Douglas R
DR
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008933:Mitochondrial Swelling
D003574:Cytochrome c Group