Apoptosis is a genetically programmed process for the elimination of damaged or redundant cells by activation of caspases (aspartate-specific cysteine proteases). Caspases cleave vital proteins, leading the cell to fragment into vesicles that are rapidly engulfed by phagocytes (for reviews, see Hotchkiss et al., 2009; Strasser et al., 2011). Defects in apoptosis contribute to many diseases, ranging from cancer and autoimmunity to degenerative disorders. This Poster focuses on key initiators of apoptosis: the BH3-only proteins. Certain BH3-only proteins have also been implicated in non-apoptotic processes (see Elgendy et al., 2011; Yeretssian et al., 2011).