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Mitochondria as multifaceted regulators of cell death
Florian J Bock1, Stephen W G Tait2
1Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|October 23, 2019
Summary
Mitochondria are key to life and cell death. New research shows mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) has pro-inflammatory roles and can lead to cell survival, opening new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Mitochondria are essential for cellular metabolism and energy production.
- Mitochondria play a critical role in programmed cell death, specifically apoptosis.
- Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) is a key event in apoptosis, leading to cytochrome c release and caspase activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new insights into how mitochondria regulate apoptotic cell death.
- To explore the pro-inflammatory signaling functions of MOMP.
- To discuss the role of mitochondria in other forms of regulated cell death.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on mitochondrial apoptosis and cell death pathways.
- Analysis of signaling pathways downstream of MOMP.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- MOMP not only triggers caspase activation but also engages pro-inflammatory signaling.
- Emerging evidence suggests MOMP can lead to cell survival.
- Mitochondria are implicated in necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial regulation of cell death is complex, involving both lethal and non-lethal signaling.
- Targeting MOMP and related pathways offers significant therapeutic potential for various diseases.
- Further research into mitochondria's role in diverse cell death forms can yield novel clinical benefits.
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