title: Non-apoptotic roles for death-related molecules: when mitochondria chose cell fate.
abstract: The decision between death and survival is a difficult phase of a cell life. It may depend on the intensity of a stress stimulus, on the presence of invasive pathogens, or on specific signals from neighbouring cells. Death-related molecules are being shown to possess different, and sometimes opposite roles, which they play also according to a number of environmental clues. In this review, we will analyse some of these molecules and their roles, with particular regard to mitochondria-related factors, such as BCL2 family members, the apoptosome components, the autophagy/death cross-talkers and molecules regulating mitochondrial structure and functions. Turning the double-edged swords of death molecules into plougshares may turn out to be strategically crucial in molecular oncology.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Flavie
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Strappazzon
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campello
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cecconi
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology*; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins