Fig. 2.

Apoptosis signal transduction pathways (receptor- mediated and mitochondrial pathways): receptor- ligand interaction leads to DISC formation, which induces factors that activate apoptosis (caspase 8, caspase 3, etc.). The release of cytochrome c leads to apoptosome formation and activation of caspase 9. Note: DISC – the death-inducing signaling complex; Bid, Bad, Bcl-2, and Bac – Bcl2 protein family; ICAD\CAD – caspase activated DNAse; Apaf-1 – the apoptotic protease activating factor 1; IAP and c-FLIP – apoptosis inhibitory proteins.