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- Title
The coordinate release of cytochrome c during apoptosis is rapid, complete and kinetically invariant.
- Authors
Goldstein, Joshua C.; Waterhouse, Nigel J.; Juin, Phillipe; Evan, Gerard I.; Green, Douglas R.
- Abstract
Release of cytochromec from mitochondria triggers activation of caspase proteases and death of a cell by apoptosis. However, the mechanism and kinetics of cytochromec release remain unknown. Here we study this event by using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged cytochromec, and find that the release of cytochrome-c-GFP always precedes exposure of phosphatidylserine and the loss of plasma-membrane integrity -- characteristics of apoptotic cells. Once initiated, the release of cytochrome-c-GFP continues until all of the protein is released from all mitochondria in individual cells, within about 5 minutes, regardless of the type or strength of stimulus or the time elapsed since the stimulus was applied. Temperatures ranging from 24°C to 37°C do not change the duration of release, and nor does the addition of caspase inhibitors. Further, we find that the electron-transport chain can maintain the mitochondrial transmembrane potential even after cytochromec has been released.
- Subjects
CYTOCHROME c; APOPTOSIS; CELL death; GREEN fluorescent protein
- Publication
Nature Cell Biology, 2000, Vol 2, Issue 3, p156
- ISSN
1465-7392
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/35004029