Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:25
Dual-color Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy for the Visualization of Interactions between Mitochondria and Lysosomes
Published on: September 27, 2024
Mitochondria and apoptosis: a quick take on a long view.
Melissa J Parsons1, Douglas R Green
1Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 USA.
F1000 Biology Reports
|October 16, 2010
Summary
Mitochondrial regulation of apoptosis, a key programmed cell death pathway, is controlled by Bcl-2 family proteins. Recent data reveals new insights into their regulation and impact on mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP).
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis research over 15 years indicates mitochondria are central to programmed cell death in mammals.
- The Bcl-2 protein family is recognized as a key regulator of mitochondrial apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins.
- To explore the influence of mitochondrial dynamics on MOMP and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent apoptosis research.
- Analysis of data concerning Bcl-2 protein regulation.
- Investigation of mitochondrial dynamics and MOMP.
Main Results:
- Recent findings provide new insights into Bcl-2 protein regulation.
- Mitochondrial dynamics significantly impact MOMP and the apoptotic process.
Conclusions:
- The Bcl-2 family's role in mitochondrial apoptosis is complex and influenced by dynamic mitochondrial processes.
- Further research into these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for understanding cell death.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:22Cellular 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...
01:45Mitochondrial 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,...
01:45Mitochondrial 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,...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...