Bax, Bak and beyond — mitochondrial performance in apoptosis

Bax and Bak are members of the Bcl-2 family and core regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Upon apoptotic stimuli, they are activated and oligomerize at the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) to mediate its permeabilization, which is considered a key step in apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Bax and Bak function has remained a key question in the field. Here, we review recent structural and biophysical evidence that has changed our understanding of how Bax and Bak promote MOM permeabilization. We also discuss how the spatial regulation of Bcl-2 family preference for binding partners contributes to regulate Bax and Bak activation. Finally, we consider the contribution of…

• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Award: FOR 2036
• EK
  Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
• ER
  European Research Council

  Award: ERC‐2012‐StG 309966