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The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...

Apoptosis

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The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles

Published on: October 5, 2012

Bax activation and mitochondrial insertion during apoptosis.

Lisenn Lalier¹, Pierre-François Cartron, Philippe Juin

¹INSERM U601, F-44000 Nantes, France.

Apoptosis : an International Journal on Programmed Cell Death

|April 25, 2007

Summary

The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, crucial for cell fate, is often disrupted in cancer. This review details how Bax protein activation by Bcl-2 family proteins initiates this pathway.

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles

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Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway regulates cell death and is frequently altered in cancer.
This pathway involves mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) permeabilization, leading to apoptosis.
The Bcl-2 protein family controls MOM permeabilization, with both pro- and anti-apoptotic members.

Purpose of the Study:

This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of Bax activation.
It specifically examines Bax interactions within the Bcl-2 protein family.
The review aims to elucidate Bax's role in initiating apoptosis.

Main Methods:

Literature review of molecular events in Bax activation.
Analysis of protein-protein interactions within the Bcl-2 family.
Focus on the regulation of Bax and Bak oligomerization.

Main Results:

Bcl-2 family proteins, including BH3-only proteins (BOPs) and anti-apoptotic proteins, antagonistically regulate Bax and Bak.
Bax activation is a critical step controlled by interactions with other Bcl-2 family members.
Oligomerization of Bax and Bak at the MOM triggers apoptotic mitochondrial permeabilization.

Conclusions:

Bax activation is a key event in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Understanding Bax regulation by the Bcl-2 family is crucial for cancer research.
Further studies will explore how activated Bax induces MOM permeabilization.