Received 7 January 2008 | Seon-Yong Jeong & Dai-Wu Seol
Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell death pathways, particularly apoptosis. Ca2+ signaling is a key component in this process, with mitochondria modulating and synchronizing Ca2+ dynamics. The Bcl-2 family proteins, including pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members, control the release of cytochrome c and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Mitochondrial fusion and fission machinery, involving proteins like mitofusins, Opa1, Fis1, and Drp1, are essential for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function. These processes are tightly regulated and are involved in the progression of apoptosis. Mitochondrial fragmentation, a common feature of apoptosis, is associated with the activation of MOMP and the release of cytochrome c. The role of these proteins and processes in apoptosis is complex and multifaceted, with different scenarios proposed to explain their interactions. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into how mitochondria communicate with other organelles and respond to apoptotic signals.Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell death pathways, particularly apoptosis. Ca2+ signaling is a key component in this process, with mitochondria modulating and synchronizing Ca2+ dynamics. The Bcl-2 family proteins, including pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members, control the release of cytochrome c and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Mitochondrial fusion and fission machinery, involving proteins like mitofusins, Opa1, Fis1, and Drp1, are essential for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function. These processes are tightly regulated and are involved in the progression of apoptosis. Mitochondrial fragmentation, a common feature of apoptosis, is associated with the activation of MOMP and the release of cytochrome c. The role of these proteins and processes in apoptosis is complex and multifaceted, with different scenarios proposed to explain their interactions. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into how mitochondria communicate with other organelles and respond to apoptotic signals.