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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
The pathophysiology of mitochondrial cell death
Douglas R Green1, Guido Kroemer
1Division of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 10355 Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA. doug@liai.org
Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) triggers apoptosis by releasing death factors. Understanding MOMP regulation is key for developing therapies against cancer and other diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Caspase activation, central to apoptosis, is tightly regulated by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP).
- MOMP is induced by various pro-apoptotic signals converging on mitochondria.
- The Bcl-2 protein family, lipids, and metabolic regulators are key players in MOMP execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the general rules governing MOMP pathophysiology.
- To explore controversial issues in MOMP regulation.
- To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting MOMP.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptosis and MOMP.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating MOMP.
- Discussion of pathological stimuli and therapeutic interventions related to MOMP.
Main Results:
- MOMP leads to cell death through caspase activation and/or metabolic failure.
- Dysregulation of MOMP is implicated in pathological cell death and cancer.
- Targeting MOMP offers therapeutic potential for various diseases.
Conclusions:
- MOMP is a critical, lethal event in apoptosis.
- Precise regulation of MOMP is essential for cellular homeostasis.
- Modulating MOMP holds promise for treating cancer and other conditions.
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