Congratulations Dan! This work demonstrates that neuronal death by mitochondrial inhibition is dependent on the TLR adaptor protein Sarm1. Inhibitors of canonical programmed cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and parthanatos do not block neuronal death and axonal degeneration triggered by mitochondrial depolarization. These studies highlight the central role for Sarm1 in a novel form of programmed cell destruction we term “sarmoptosis”.
Summers D, DiAntonio A, Milbrandt J. Mitochondrial dysfunction induces Sarm1-dependent cell death in sensory neurons. J Neuroscience, 2014 34:9338-9350.