Regulation of Bcl-2 proteins during anoikis and amorphosis.

Adhesion to extracellular matrix regulates cell survival through both integrin engagement and appropriate cell spreading. Numerous signaling pathways converge to affect the levels and posttranslational modifications of Bcl-2 family proteins. Recent work has defined specific roles for different Bcl-2 proteins in the disruption of mitochondrial function that leads to cell death. Using this understanding of Bcl-2 protein function as a framework, we will consider the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induced by integrin detachment (anoikis) and cell death stimulated by the loss of cytoskeletal architecture (amorphosis).