Apoptosis in mammalian cells can be initiated through two major interrelated pathways, one
involving engagement of the TNF family of death receptors, the other involving the release of
cytochrome c from mitochondria. Unlike other members of the TNF ligand family, TNF-
related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) preferentially induces apoptosis in tumor cell
lines, but not in normal cells, suggesting that TRAIL could potentially represent a powerful
cancer therapeutic. Recent experiments have revealed that one of the key regulators of …