| Abstract: |
The intrinsic apoptotic pathway, also known as the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway, plays important roles in a variety of biological processes and is involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases ranging from immune disorders and neurodegeneration to cancer. Over the last two decades, much has been learned about the molecular basis of this pathway as well as its delicate regulatory mechanisms. The central role of the cellular organelle, the mitochondrion, in this pathway is well appreciated. Importantly, several potential therapeutic agents have been developed to target specific components of this pathway. Further, growing evidence indicates that cytochrome c release from mitochondria, a hallmark of the pathway, does not always lead to irreversible cell death; and the downstream caspase activation can also perform certain non-death biological functions. This chapter reviews our understanding of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway with a focus on the mechanisms and regulation downstream of cytochrome c release. We also discuss unsolved questions and new challenges in this exciting research area. Other important topics, such as the role of the Bcl-2 family in this pathway and the relationship of this pathway with cancer, will be discussed in other chapters of this book and thus will not be elaborated in detail in this chapter. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York. All rights are reserved. |
