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Bcl‐2 family: Life‐or‐death switch
Author(s) -
Tsujimoto Yoshihide,
Shimizu Shigeomi
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(99)01761-5
Subject(s) - cytochrome c , apoptosis , bcl 2 family , microbiology and biotechnology , apoptosome , programmed cell death , caspase , mitochondrion , mitochondrial apoptosis induced channel , proteases , signal transduction , intrinsic apoptosis , cytochrome , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , enzyme
The Bcl‐2 family of proteins that consists of anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic members determines life‐or‐death of a cell by controlling the release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors, cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), that activate downstream executional phases, including the activation of death proteases called caspases. Cytochrome c release is, thus, central to apoptotic signal transduction in mammals, making study of the mechanism for cytochrome c release a major issue. Several models for cytochrome c release have been proposed, including rupture of mitochondrial outer membrane and involvement of a specific channel. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings on the role of Bcl‐2 family members in the life‐or‐death decision of a cell.