Apoptosis-induced changes in mitochondrial lipids

► After apoptosis induction, the initial lipid changes occurring in mitochondria appear to reflect an upstream deficiency in the biosynthesis of phospholipids including cardiolipin. ► Lysolipids are prominent among these initial changes and may facilitate the pro-apoptotic action of Bax and Bak that produces the piercing of mitochondria. ► Pro-apoptotic Bid provides a link between phospholipid deficiency and mitochondrial membranes by transporting lysolipids and binding to cardiolipin, affecting its re-modelling. ► Other changes in membrane lipids generally occur after the piercing of the outer mitochondrial membrane has occurred.