线粒体与细胞凋亡

线粒体是所有真核细胞内重要的细胞器 ,是ＡＴＰ生成的主要部位 ,对维持细胞能量代谢和正常功能活动起重要作用。新近研究发现 ,线粒体内包含一些与细胞凋亡有密切关系的物质 :如ｐｒｏ ｃａｓｐａｓｅ ,细胞色素Ｃ (ＣｙｔＣ) ,Ｓｍａｃ Ｄｉａｂｌｏ ,ＡＩＦ等。在一定因素的刺激下 ,线粒体膜的通透性增加 ,这些物质可由线粒体释出 ,诱导细胞凋亡。因此线粒体在细胞凋亡的发生中起重要作用 ,被形象地称为细胞凋亡的“燃烧室”。大多数细胞发生凋亡时均伴有 :(1)胞浆酸化 ;(2 )线粒体结构与功能障碍 ;(3)Ｃａｓｐａｓｅ活化。细胞发生凋亡…

The role of mitochondria in apotosis

Mitochondria plays a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. They are the source of cytochrome c, pro caspase, Smac, AIF, which serve as critical factors for caspase activation. A variety of signal transduction pathways are involved in apoptosis converge upon the mitochondria, suggesting that this organelle may integrate a variety of signals, including protein kinases, cytoskeletal disturbance, and intracellular pH, etc. One major caspase activation cascade is triggered by cytochrome c released from the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Upon receiving apoptotic stimuli and activation of cell surface receptors, the outer membrane of mitochondria becomes permeable to cytochrome c. Bcl 2 or caspase family plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the permeability of the outer membrane of mitochondria in the course of caspase activation. Besides of cytochrome c/Apaf 1/caspase activation pathway, another mitochondria initiated apoptosis pathways are found. As an ignition chamber for apoptosis, mitochondria will be highlighted in apoptosis investigation.