Cytochrome c: the Achilles’ heel in apoptosis

Cytochrome c is a well-known mitochondrial protein that fulfills life-supporting functions by transferring electrons to the respiratory chain to maintain ATP production. However, during the activation of apoptotic machinery, it is released from mitochondria and, being in the cytosol, it either triggers the activation of the caspase cascade in intrinsic apoptotic pathway, or it is involved in the amplification of extrinsic apoptotic signaling. Accumulating evidence suggests that only unmodified holocytochrome c is efficient in the stimulation of apoptosis. Considering the importance of cytochrome c in both life and death, it was of significant interest to investigate the complete or partial cytochrome c deficiency in vivo. Here, we discuss the importance of distinct amino acid residues for various functions of cytochrome c in cells and mice with targeted cytochrome c mutations.     

管状曲面的奇点

研究管状曲面和它的平行曲面的奇点问题.所谓管状曲面,是沿着E3里一条曲线的双参数空间运动产生的.选定曲线的Frenet向量T作为旋转轴,用不同的方法得到了运动管状曲面的特征.然后,给出管状曲面奇点的一些定理和结果.