The mitochondrion in apoptosis: how Pandora's box opens

N Zamzami; G Kroemer

doi:10.1038/35048073

The mitochondrion in apoptosis: how Pandora's box opens

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2001 Jan;2(1):67-71. doi: 10.1038/35048073.

Authors

N Zamzami¹, G Kroemer

Affiliation

¹ Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR1599, Institut Gustave Roussy, 39 rue Camille-Desmoulins, F-94805 Villejuif, France.

PMID: 11413468
DOI: 10.1038/35048073

Abstract

There is widespread agreement that mitochondria have a function in apoptosis, but the mechanisms behind their involvement remain controversial. Here we suggest that opening of a multiprotein complex called the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex is sufficient (and, usually, necessary) for triggering apoptosis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Apoptosis / physiology*
Intracellular Membranes / physiology
Mitochondria / physiology*
Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases / pharmacology
Models, Biological
Permeability
Porins / physiology
Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / physiology
Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels
bcl-2-Associated X Protein

Substances

Porins
Proto-Oncogene Proteins
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels
bcl-2-Associated X Protein
Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases