| Literature DB >> 22935609 |
Abstract
The Bcl-2 family of proteins is formed by pro- and antiapoptotic members. Together they regulate the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane, a key step in apoptosis. Their complex network of interactions both in the cytosol and on mitochondria determines the fate of the cell. In the past 2 decades, the members of the family have been identified and classified according to their function. Several competing models have been proposed to explain how the Blc-2 proteins orchestrate apoptosis signaling. However, basic aspects of the action of these proteins remain elusive. This review is focused on the biophysical mechanisms that are relevant for their action in apoptosis and on the challenging gaps in our knowledge that necessitate further exploration to finally understand how the Bcl-2 family regulates apoptosis.Entities:
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Year: 2012 PMID: 22935609 PMCID: PMC3469065 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.105
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Cell Death Differ ISSN: 1350-9047 Impact factor: 15.828