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Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles
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Bax, Bak and beyond - mitochondrial performance in apoptosis

Aida Peña-Blanco1, Ana J García-Sáez1,2

  • 1Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Tübingen University, Germany.

The FEBS Journal
|July 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Bax and Bak proteins initiate programmed cell death by permeabilizing the mitochondrial outer membrane. Recent evidence reveals their function is influenced by mitochondrial context and interactions with other proteins.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bax and Bak are key regulators of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
  • They oligomerize at the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) to induce permeabilization during apoptosis.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of Bax and Bak function remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent structural and biophysical evidence elucidating Bax and Bak function.
  • To discuss the role of spatial regulation and binding partner interactions in Bax and Bak activation.
  • To explore the influence of mitochondrial composition, dynamics, and organelle interactions on apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of structural biology data.
  • Analysis of biophysical studies.
  • Integration of findings on Bcl-2 family interactions and mitochondrial regulation.

Main Results:

  • New structural and biophysical insights into Bax and Bak-mediated MOM permeabilization.
  • Understanding of how spatial regulation of Bcl-2 family binding partners controls Bax and Bak activation.
  • Recognition of the broader mitochondrial context influencing apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis regulation by Bax and Bak is more complex than previously thought.
  • Mitochondrial composition, dynamics, and inter-organelle interactions are critical for apoptosis commitment.
  • A holistic view integrating Bax, Bak, and mitochondrial environment is essential for understanding apoptosis.
Keywords:
BAKBAXBCL-2 familyDRP1apoptosismitochondriamitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization

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