Decisive steps in the initiation of programmed cell death revealed
Monday, August 17, 2015 - 10:31
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have studied the formation of membrane pores that are critical to start the apoptosis program. The key step in apoptosis is the release of the protein cytochrome c and other apoptotic factors from the mitochondria into the cell interior. After this step, apoptosis induction is irreversible and cell's fate is sealed. In order to allow this process, the mitochondrial membrane must be permeable. The research team has examined how the mitochondrial membrane becomes permeable.