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Apoptotic pathways and their regulation

par Brouckaert, Greet;Kalai, Michaël ;Saelens, Xavier;Vandenabeele, Peter
Editeur scientifique Los, Marek;Gibson, Spencer B.
Référence Apoptotic pathways as targets for novel therapies in cancer and other diseases, Springer, New York, page (1-29)
Publication Publié, 2005

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Résumé :

Many studies have led to the identification of molecules involved in the signaling to cell death and especially to apoptosis. This cell death program is characterized by distinct morphological changes occurring both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, including membrane blebbing, cytoplasm and chromatin condensation, DNA degradation and inhibition of protein translation. Apoptosis signaling can be initiated either at the cell surface through a receptor-induced signaling pathway, or from within the cell itself via the release of proapoptotic factors such as cytochrome c from triggered mitochondria. Stress occurring in other organelles, including the ER, nucleus and lysosomes, is also capable of initiating specific apoptotic pathways. The main executioners of the apoptotic pathways are proteases of the caspase family that function in a tightly regulated proteolytic cascade leading to the disintegration of the cell. Furthermore, apoptosis is regulated by a family of Bcl-2 like proteins, some of which promote cell death, while others are anti-apoptotic. Apoptosis in homeostasis and pathology is connected with phagocytosis. Several apoptotic pathways can be considered as packaging phenomena that allow silent, non-inflammatory removal of dying cells. The central role of apoptosis in homeostasis and cell renewal is also illustrated by the fact that anti-apoptotic mechanisms are crucial in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. Recovery of an apoptotic response in these tumour cells or induction of an alternative cell death pathway, such as necrosis or autophagy, is very relevant for defining new anti-cancer treatments. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved.