Journal article
Control of apoptosis by the BCL-2 protein family: Implications for physiology and therapy
PE Czabotar, G Lessene, A Strasser, JM Adams
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology | Published : 2014
DOI: 10.1038/nrm3722
Abstract
The BCL-2 protein family determines the commitment of cells to apoptosis, an ancient cell suicide programme that is essential for development, tissue homeostasis and immunity. Too little apoptosis can promote cancer and autoimmune diseases; too much apoptosis can augment ischaemic conditions and drive neurodegeneration. We discuss the biochemical, structural and genetic studies that have clarified how the interplay between members of the BCL-2 family on mitochondria sets the apoptotic threshold. These mechanistic insights into the functions of the BCL-2 family are illuminating the physiological control of apoptosis, the pathological consequences of its dysregulation and the promising search ..
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Awarded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Funding Acknowledgements
P. E. C and G. L contributed equally to this work. The authors thank their colleagues at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), particularly S. Cory, P. Colman, P. Bouillet, D. Huang, R. Kluck, G. Dewson and D. Westphal, for many stimulating discussions on the issues addressed here, and S. Cory and P. Colman for comments on the manuscript. Their research is supported chiefly by program grant 1016701 and project grants 1025201 and 1025138 from the Australian National Health and Research Council, Australian Research Council (ARC) fellowship FT0992105, funds from the Cancer Council of Victoria and a Center (7417) established by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as operational infrastructure grants from the Australian Government (IRISS) and the Victorian State Government (OIS).