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This book highlights the relevance of the BCL_2 family of proteins in apoptosis, physiology and disease. It examines the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting apoptosis pathways in the context of human disease.

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In this book, scientists pioneering the field have compiled a series of focused chapters to highlight the relevance of the BCL_2 family of proteins in apoptosis, physiology and disease. An important focus of this volume is considering the potential TH ERA PEUT IC benefits of targeting apoptosis pathways in the context of human disease. Readers interested in understanding how a cell handles stress and the consequences of dysregulation of this process for human disease will find this book very valuable. It attempts to describe a fascinating area of research where physiology and biomedicine converge at different levels, revealing a trip from the molecular regulation of apoptosis to the impact of this process to the physiology of a whole organism.

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1. Homeostatic Functions of BCL?2 Proteins Beyond Apoptosis
Nika N. Danial, Alfredo Gimenez?Cassina and Daniel Tondera
Abstract
Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism
Autophagy
Protein Quality Control and the Unfolded Protein Response
Physiologic Roles for BCL?2 Family Proteins in Cell Cycle Checkpoints, Differentiation and DNA Damage Response
Conclusion
2. Alternative Functions of the BCL?2 Protein Family at the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Diego Rojas?Rivera, Benjamin Caballero, Sebastian Zamorano, Fernanda Lisbona and Claudio Hetz
Abstract
Introduction
The BCL?2 Protein Family and the Unfolded Protein Response
Chronic ER Stress and BH3?Only Proteins
The BCL?2 Protein Family and the Calcium Rheostat
Autophagy and the BCL?2 Protein Family of Proteins
Conclusion
3. BH3?Only Proteins and Their Efects on Cancer
Thanh?Trang Vo and Anthony Letai
Abstract
Introduction
Categories of BCL?2 Family Proteins and Their Apoptotic Functions
Regulation of Various BH3?Only Proteins and Cell Stress Sensing
BH3?Only Proteins and Cancer Development
BH3?Only Proteins and Chemotherapy Response and Resistance
BH3?only Mimetic Drugs
Conclusion
4. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and BCL?2 Family Members
Ross T. Weston and Hamsa Puthalakath
Abstract
Introduction
UPR: The Good and the Evil Side
UPR and BCL?2 Family Members
Autophagy, UPR and BCL?2 Family Members
Conclusion
5. Targeting Survival Pathways in Lymphoma
Luca Paoluzzi and Owen A. O´Connor
BCL?2 Family of Proteins and Cell Death
Abstract
Introduction
Pharmacologic Modulation of BCL?2 Proteins and Apoptosis
BCL?2 Proteins and Non?Apoptotic Cell Death
Conclusion
6. The Interplay between BCL?2 Family Proteins and Mitochondrial Morphology in the Regulation of Apoptosis
Maria Eugenia Soriano and Luca Scorrano
Abstract
Introduction
BCL?2 Family
Mitochondrial Shape and Apoptosis
Conclusion
7. Noncanonical Functions of BCL?2 Proteins in the Nervous System
Heather M. Lamb and J. MarieHardwick
Abstract
Introduction
Extending the Traditional View of BCL?2 Family Proteins
Challenging the Traditional BCL?2 Family Model
BCL?2 Family Proteins in the Nervous System
When Anti?Death BCL?2 Proteins Become Pro?Death
When Pro?Death BCL?2 Proteins Protect Neurons
Protection Predicts New Functions with a Seizure
BCL?2 Family Proteins Regulate Synaptic Activity
Mitochondrial Dynamics in Neuronal Function
Conclusion
8. Mitochondria on Guard: Role of Mitochondrial Fusion and Fission in the Regulation of Apoptosis
Mariusz Karbowski
Abstract
Introduction
Regulation of Mitochondrial Fusion and Fission
Mitochondrial Network Dynamics and Cell Homeostasis
Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cell Death
Mechanism of the OM Permeabilization: A Vital Role for Mitochondrial Fusion and Fission?
Emerging Evidence for the Role of BCL?2 Family Proteins in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Network Dynamics in Healthy Cells
Conclusion
Index

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