Prevention of apoptosis by Bcl-2: Release of cytochrome c from mitochondria blocked

Jie Yang, Xuesong Liu, Kapil Bhalla, Caryn Naekyung Kim, Ana Maria Ibrado, Jiyang Cai, Tsung I. Peng, Dean P. Jones, Xiaodong Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4263 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bcl-2 is an integral membrane protein located mainly on the outer membrane of mitochondria. Overexpression of Bcl-2 prevents cells from undergoing apoptosis in response to a variety of stimuli. Cytosolic cytochrome c is necessary for the initiation of the apoptotic program, suggesting a possible connection between Bcl-2 and cytochrome c, which is normally located in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Cells undergoing apoptosis were found to have an elevation of cytochrome c in the cytosol and a corresponding decrease in the mitochondria. Overexpression of Bcl-2 prevented the efflux of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and the initiation of apoptosis. Thus, one possible role of Bcl-2 in prevention of apoptosis is to block cytochrome c release from mitochondria.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1129-1132
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume275
Issue number5303
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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