title: Mitochondria and apoptosis: emerging concepts.
abstract: As mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, their damage during the cell suicide process of apoptosis is essentially responsible for cellular demise in most cells. A key family of proteins, the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family, determines the integrity of mitochondria in the face of apoptotic insult. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular details of how apoptosis is initiated and how it culminates is essential if apoptosis is to fulfil its undoubted potential as a therapeutic target to treat diseases ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative conditions. Recent advances have provided significant insight into the control of this fundamental process while prompting a re-evaluation of what was considered dogma in the field. Emerging evidence also points to a potential overarching control network that governs not only apoptosis but other fundamental mitochondrial processes, including mitochondrial fission/fusion and quality control.
authors.affiliation: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia ; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia.
authors.forename: Mark Xiang
authors.initials: MX
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia ; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia.
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dewson