Oxidative stress and thymocyte apoptosis

Mitochondria play a major role in making decisions in programmed cell death. During thymocyte apoptosis, the function of mitochondrial electron transport chain becomes pro-apoptotic and produces increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting oxidative stress can further aggravate apoptotic events, leading thymocytes to death. The site of ROS production during thymocyte apoptosis is most likely at complex III of the electron transport chain, and the pro-apoptotic function of electron transport chain is regulated by the proteasome.