We have previously shown that when skeletal myoblasts are cultured in differentiation medium (DM), roughly 30% undergo caspase 3-dependent apoptosis rather than differentiation. Herein, we investigate the molecular mechanism responsible for the activation of caspase 3 and the ensuing apoptosis. When 23A2 myoblasts are cultured in DM, caspase 9 activity is increased and pharmacological abrogation of caspase 9 activation impairs caspase 3 activation and apoptosis. Further, we detect a time dependent release of mitochondrial cytochrome C into the cytosol in roughly 30% of myoblasts. Inclusion of cycloheximide inhibits the release of cytochrome C, the activation of caspase 9 and apoptosis. These data indicate that the mitochondrial pathway plays a role in this apoptotic process and that engagement of this pathway relies on de novo protein synthesis. Through RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis, we have determined that the expression level of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member PUMA is elevated when 23A2 myoblasts are cultured in DM. Further, silencing of PUMA inhibits the release of cytochrome C and apoptosis. Signaling by the transcription factor p53 is not responsible for the increased level of PUMA. Finally, myoblasts rescued from apoptosis by either inhibition of elevated caspase 9 activity or silencing of PUMA are competent for differentiation. These results indicate a critical role for PUMA in the apoptosis associated with skeletal myoblast differentiation and that a p53-independent mechanism is responsible for the increased expression of PUMA in these cells. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.