PUMA acts by binding to and neutralizing anti-apoptotic proteins in the Bcl-2 family. This action releases pro-apoptotic factors like Bax and Bak, which permeabilize the mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspases. These caspases then execute the cell death program. PUMA is thus a critical mediator of p53-induced apoptosis, ensuring that damaged or stressed cells are efficiently eliminated.
