Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy
11:37

Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy

Published on: May 14, 2017

MAC inhibitors suppress mitochondrial apoptosis

Pablo M Peixoto1, Shin-Young Ryu, Agnes Bombrun

  • 1Department of Basic Sciences, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA.

The Biochemical Journal
|August 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Compounds that close the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) can prevent cell death. These compounds effectively blocked cytochrome c release and halted apoptosis, indicating MAC is a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) is crucial for intrinsic apoptosis, mediating cytochrome c release.
  • MAC opening is a key commitment step in programmed cell death.
  • Inhibiting MAC could represent a therapeutic strategy to prevent apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize compounds that can directly close MAC.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in suppressing apoptosis in cellular models.

Main Methods:

  • Recombinant Bax protein was used to assess compound efficacy in blocking fluorescein release from liposomes.
  • Compounds were tested for their ability to directly close MAC.
  • Apoptosis was induced in FL5.12 cells via IL-3 deprivation or staurosporine treatment.
  • Cytochrome c release and apoptotic markers were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Several compounds were identified that irreversibly closed MAC at low concentrations (IC50: 19–966 nM).
  • These compounds effectively inhibited cytochrome c release.
  • The tested compounds suppressed the onset of apoptotic markers induced by IL-3 deprivation or staurosporine.

Conclusions:

  • A direct link exists between MAC activity, cytochrome c release, and apoptotic cell death.
  • The mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) is a viable therapeutic target for preventing apoptosis.

More Related Videos

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay for Measuring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cardiac Myocytes After Hypoxia/Reoxygenation07:14

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay for Measuring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cardiac Myocytes After Hypoxia/Reoxygenation

Published on: July 13, 2018

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides08:39

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
The Electron Transport Chain01:30

The Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation is an exothermic process in which free energy released during electron transfer reactions is coupled to ATP synthesis. This process is a significant source of energy in aerobic cells, and therefore inhibitors of the electron transport chain can be detrimental to the cell's metabolic processes.
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...