Study of the functional role of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating Ca(2+) signals in apoptotic cells.
Recently, it was found that Bcl-2 family proteins can affect the apoptotic process by modifying Ca(2+) released from the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). In this review, we summarize the evidence that Bcl-2 and Bax can modulate Ca(2+) mobilization from the ER to the cytosol and mitochondria. We also found evidence that both Bcl-2 and Bax can interact with IP(3)Rs (InsP(3) receptors) to modify the Ca(2+) efflux from the ER. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that Bax may interact with IP(3)Rs to facilitate the release of Ca(2+) from the ER during apoptosis.
Lao
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Y
Department of Biology, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China.
Chang
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DC
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D053496:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000378:metabolism
D053496:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein