Direct interaction of bax and bak proteins with Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3)-only proteins in living cells revealed by fluorescence complementation

Abstract

Background: BH3-only proteins play a key role in the activation of Bax and Bak during apoptosis. Results: Interactions among Bcl-2 proteins have been detected in living cells. Conclusion: Interactions observed in living cells fit to "mixed models." Significance: This study in living cells demonstrates direct activation of Bax and Bak by BH3-only proteins.© 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.