The Bak core dimer focuses triacylglycerides in the membrane.

ABSTRACT: Apoptosis, the intrinsic programmed cell death process, is mediated by the Bcl-2 family members Bak and Bax. Activation via formation of symmetric core dimers and oligomerization on the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) leads to permeabilization and cell death. Although this process is linked to the MOM, the role of the membrane in facilitating such pores is poorly understood. We recently described Bak core domain dimers, revealing lipid binding sites and an initial role of lipids in oligomerization. Here we describe simulations that identified localized clustering and interaction of triacylglycerides (TAGs) with a minimized Bak dimer construct. Coalescence of TAGs occurred beneath this Bak dimer, mitigating dimer-induced local membrane thinning and curvature in representative coarse-grai

SUBMITTER: Smith NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8822611 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature