Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c
Published on: June 29, 2011
Cytochrome C release from CNS mitochondria and potential for clinical intervention in apoptosis-mediated CNS diseases
Ronald Jemmerson1, Janet M Dubinsky, Nickolay Brustovetsky
1Department of Microbiology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. jemme001@umn.edu
Abstract:
Apoptosis is critical for normal development and tissue homeostasis. However, its abnormal occurrence has been implicated in a number of disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Translocation of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from mitochondria to the cytoplasm is a key step in the initiation and/or amplification of apoptosis. Here we discuss Cyt c release in apoptosis with its impact on the CNS and review our studies of Cyt c release from isolated rat brain mitochondria in response to several insults. Calcium-induced Cyt c release, as occurs in neurons during stroke and ischemia, involves rupture of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) and can be blocked by inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT). Thus, inhibitors of the mPT have shown efficacy in animal models of ischemia. In contrast, proapoptotic proteins, such as BID, BAX, and BAK, induce Cyt c release independently of the mPT without lysing the MOM. Several inhibitors of BAX-induced Cyt c release have shown promise in models of CNS apoptosis. Because of their distinct mechanisms for Cyt c release, both the mPT and proapoptotic proteins should be targeted for effective clinical intervention in CNS disorders involving apoptosis.
Related Concept Videos
Mitochondrial Membranes
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Caspases
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

