Work

Inter-organellar communication with mitochondria regulates both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: One of our major research interests is to define BCL-2 family function in the cellular decision to induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and apoptosis. Curiosity in BCL-2 family - mitochondrial interactions led to the identification that the sphingolipid pathway plays a crucial role in BCL-2 family function. For approximately 20 years, sphingolipid biology and apoptotic mechanisms have criss-crossed, but remained distinct, as neither literature could explain the observable interplay between these pathways. We recently identified that two products within the sphingolipid pathway, sphingosine-1-PO4 and hexadecenal, directly regulate BAK and BAX activation, respectively. Furthermore, our work suggests that mitochondrial communication with heterotypic membrane and/or organelles may be an important regulatory mechanism for apoptotic sensitivity.

Source: Communicative & Integrative Biology

DOI: 10.4161/cib.22872

Authors: Thibaud T. Renault, Jerry E. Chipuk

Institutions: Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Language: English

Topic: Cell death mechanisms and regulation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,459