1.

Polyalanine tracts directly induce the release of cytochrome c, independently of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to apoptosis

In this study, we showed that polyalanine tracts containing more than 23 repeats physically associate with mitochondria by a mechanism that induces cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation, independently of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). These results suggest that oligomerized polyalanine tracts might induce the rupture of the mitochondrial membrane, the subsequent release of cytochrome c, and apoptosis. This novel mechanism for polyalanine tract cytotoxicity might be common to the pathogenesis of all polyalanine diseases.

COBISS.SI-ID: 22793767

2.

Lysosomes as 'suicide bags' in cell death: myth or reality?

Lysosomal proteases were found to participate in cell death pathways, which at least, during apoptosis, are suicidal for the cells. However, more recently, it became clear that the endosomal/lysosomal system has other roles, thus including survival functions. This work provides a current view on the role of the lysosomes, thus highlighting its involvement in cell survival.

COBISS.SI-ID: 22640935