The role of Bcl-2 family in mitochondrial homeostasis

Abstract

Mitochondria are required by cells to generate ATP in order to meet their energy requirements. The electron transport chain, within the mitochondria, pumps protons into the intermembrane space generating an electrochemical gradient. This electrochemical gradient is required for production of ATP and is referred to as the mitochondrial potential. During apoptosis, the activation of Bax/Bak results in a loss of mitochondrial potential and a release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The loss of mitochondrial potential is the critical step that commits a cell to dying. However, release of cytochrome c activates the apoptosis cascade and promotes a non-inflammatory mode of cell death as opposed to the inflammatory mode of cell death, necrosis.