π-stacking interactions unique between residues of PUMA and Bcl-xL, which lead to the unfolding of Bcl-xL via an allosteric mechanism, are required to disrupt p53–Bcl-xL interaction and induce apoptosis. This is the first example of regulated protein unfolding for signal transmission.
- Ariele Viacava Follis
- Jerry E Chipuk
- Richard W Kriwacki
