Mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway

The mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway (also called the mitochondrial or intrinsic apoptosis pathway) is a programmed cell death pathway controlled by mitochondrial signals. It is triggered by internal stressors such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, or lack of survival factors. Central to this pathway are Bcl-2 family proteins, which regulate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Upon activation by pro-apoptotic factors (like Bax, Bak, Bad, Bid, Puma, Bim, and Noxa), mitochondria release cytochrome c and other proteins into the cytosol. Cytochrome c interacts with Apaf-1 to form the apoptosome, which activates initiator caspase-9, leading to a cascade that activates executioner caspases (mainly caspase-3, -6, and -7) and results in controlled cell dismantling. This pathway is frequently dysregulated in cancer and plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis and disease.

Other names

Mitochondrial apoptosis pathwayIntrinsic apoptosis pathwayIntrinsic pathway of apoptosis

Induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP); Activation/inhibition of Bcl-2 family members (pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic); Promotion/release of cytochrome c to activate apoptosome and caspases