Translocation of a Bak C-terminus mutant from cytosol to mitochondria to mediate cytochrome C release: implications for Bak and Bax apoptotic function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

One of two proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, Bak or Bax, is required to permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane during apoptosis. While Bax is mostly cytosolic and translocates to mitochondria following an apoptotic stimulus, Bak is constitutively integrated within the outer membrane. Membrane anchorage occurs via a C-terminal transmembrane domain that has been studied in Bax but not in Bak, therefore what governs their distinct subcellular distribution is uncertain. In addition, whether the distinct subcellular distributions of Bak and Bax contributes to their differential regulation during apoptosis remains unclear.

Methodology/principal findings

To gain insight into Bak and Bax targeting to mitochondria, elements of the Bak C-terminus were mutated, or swapped

SUBMITTER: Ferrer PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3307716 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature