The BCL-2 family of proteins and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation

Abstract

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death critical for the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. A key event within the mitochondrial pathway to apoptosis is the permeabilisation of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), a point of no return in apoptotic progression. This event is governed by a complex interplay of interactions between BCL-2 family members. Here we discuss the roles of opposing factions within the family. We focus on the structural details of these interactions, how they promote or prevent apoptosis and recent developments towards understanding the conformational changes of BAK and BAX that lead to MOM permeabilisation. These interactions and structural..