Mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics and apoptosis

Mitochondria play an important role in the progression of apoptosis through the release of pro-apoptotic factors, such as cytochrome c, from the mitochondrial intermembrane space. During this process, mitochondrial networks are dramatically reorganised from long filamentous interconnected tubules into small punctate spheres. Whether remodelling of mitochondrial networks is necessary for apoptosis-associated cytochrome c release, or merely an accompanying process, has been a subject of debate. Here we discuss evidence for and against the role of mitochondrial fragmentation in the progression of apoptosis and highlight recent advances which indicate that mitochondrial fission is not a critical requirement for apoptosis-associated cytochrome c release. We also discuss an emerging role for Bcl-2 family members as regulators of mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics, independent of the role of this family in the regulation of apoptosis.