Mitochondria as the target of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax.

AbstractDuring apoptosis, engagement of the mitochondrial pathway involves the permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), which leads to the release of cytochrome c and other apoptogenic proteins such as Smac/DIABLO, AIF, EndoG, Omi/HtraA2 and DDP/TIMM8a. OMM permeabilization depends on activation, translocation and oligomerization of multidomain Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bax or Bak. Factors involved in Bax conformational change and the function(s) of the distinct domains controlling the addressing and the insertion of Bax into mitochondria are described in this review. We also discuss our current knowledge on Bax oligomerization and on the molecular mechanisms underlying the different models accounting for OMM permeabilization during apoptosis

Bax inserts into the mitochondrial outer membrane by different mechanisms.

International audienc

The small organic compound HA14-1 sensitizes human glioblastoma cells to induction of cell death through inhibition of Bcl-2.

International audienc

TOM22, a core component of the mitochondria outer membrane protein translocation pore, is a mitochondrial receptor for the proapoptotic protein Bax.

International audienc