Membrane pore formation by Bax

From the Schlesinger lab: The proapoptotic protein Bax forms pores in the outer mitochondrial membrane that release cytochrome c. Using giant unilamellar liposomes (10-20 microns) filled with fluorescein we have directly visualized the formation of a single Bax pore by the release of the fluorescent dye. The Bax was the genetically engineered human Bax that was activated by removing helix 9.The Bax pore remains open for more than 1 second.

Click to view full-size image…