title: Greasing the path to BAX/BAK activation.
abstract: BAX/BAK activation leading to mitochondrial outer-membrane permeabilization is a key commitment point in apoptosis. Chipuk et al. now identify two sphingolipids as specific cofactors for BAX/BAK activation that lower the threshold for apoptosis-associated cytochrome c release. Association of mitochondria with other cellular membrane compartments is required for BAK/BAX exposure to these sphingolipids.
authors.affiliation: SFI Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: Emilie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hollville
authors.forename: Seamus J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Martin