The 66-kilodalton isoform of the growth factor adapter Shc (p66 ^Shc ) translates oxidative damage into cell death by acting as reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer within mitochondria. However, the signaling link between cellular stress and mitochondrial proapoptotic activity of p66 ^Shc was not known. We demonstrate that protein kinase C β, activated by oxidative conditions in the cell, induces phosphorylation of p66 ^Shc and triggers mitochondrial accumulation of the protein after it is recognized by the prolyl isomerase Pin1. Once imported, p66 ^Shc causes alterations of mitochondrial Ca ²⁺ responses and three-dimensional structure, thus inducing apoptosis. These data identify a signaling route that activates an apoptotic inducer shortening the life span and could be a potential target of pharmacological approaches to inhibit aging.