Regulation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by reactive oxygen species.

ABSTRACT:

Significance

The intrinsic apoptosis pathway is conserved from worms to humans and plays a critical role in the normal development and homeostatic control of adult tissues. As a result, numerous diseases from cancer to neurodegeneration are associated with either too little or too much apoptosis.

Recent advances

B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family members regulate cell death, primarily via their effects on mitochondria. In stressed cells, proapoptotic BCL-2 family members promote mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and cytochrome c (cyt c) release into the cytoplasm, where it stimulates formation of the "apoptosome." This large, multimeric complex is composed of the adapter protein, apoptotic protease-activating factor-1, and the cysteine protease, caspase-9. R

SUBMITTER: Wu CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3717204 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature