Bcl-2 family proteins regulate apoptosis through their interactions at the mitochondrial outer membrane. Anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 bind to and inhibit pro-apoptotic proteins, preventing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, thus blocking the apoptotic cascade. In contrast, pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and Bak form oligomers in the mitochondrial membrane, leading to its permeabilization and the subsequent release of apoptotic factors.
