Mitochondrial dysfunction in cell death.

描述（由申请人提供）：线粒体在 程序性细胞死亡（programmed cell death）。特别是蛋白质的释放， 如细胞色素c和Smac/DIABLO从线粒体膜间隙进入 细胞质是半胱天冬酶激活的重要触发因素，而半胱天冬酶激活反过来又导致 细胞凋亡的特征性事件。在这里，我们建议研究探索 这一凋亡途径涉及线粒体方面。首先，我们解决 细胞色素c与Apaf- 1蛋白的相互作用， caspase-9激活。其次，我们研究了线粒体的变化， 由外膜透化产生的功能;在某些情况下 当半胱天冬酶被抑制时，这些线粒体效应可能是 导致细胞死亡。最后，我们探讨了外部世界的本质。 线粒体膜透化事件，特别是关于其 通过促凋亡和抗凋亡Bcl-2家族蛋白如Bid、Bax 和Bcl-xL。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Mitochondria play a central role in apoptosis (programmed cell death). In particular, the release of proteins, such as cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol is an important trigger for caspase activation, which in turn leads to the events characteristic of apoptosis. Here we propose studies exploring aspects of this apoptotic pathway involving mitochondria. First, we address the interaction of cytochrome c with the Apaf- 1 protein, a step required for caspase-9 activation. Second, we investigate the changes in mitochondrial function resulting from outer membrane permeabilization; under circumstances where caspases are inhibited, these mitochondrial effects may be responsible for the death of the cell. Finally, we explore the nature of the outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization event, particularly with regard to its regulation by pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bid, Bax and Bcl-xL.