Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
09:18
Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Apoptosis and cell death in the endocrine system
J D Mountz1, H G Zhang, H C Hsu
1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294-0007, USA.
Recent Progress in Hormone Research
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Defects in Fas apoptosis signaling contribute to autoimmune endocrine diseases like thyroiditis and diabetes. Targeting these pathways, particularly with Fas ligand-expressing cells, shows promise for preventing and treating these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autoimmune endocrine diseases, including thyroiditis and diabetes, are linked to Fas apoptosis pathway defects.
- While Fas or Fas ligand (FasL) mutations are rare, pathway dysfunction and soluble factors like sFas/sFasL may be more common.
- Immune privilege sites and hormonal interactions, such as with Nur77, also influence endocrine autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Fas apoptosis in autoimmune endocrine diseases.
- To explore mechanisms linking endocrine glands, hormones, and apoptosis.
- To evaluate novel therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine cytomegalovirus model of Sjögren's syndrome to study Fas/FasL pathway defects.
- Examined the impact of dominant-negative Nur77 transgenic mice on T cell selection.
- Developed and tested antigen-specific antigen-presenting cells expressing FasL in NOD mice for diabetes prevention.
Main Results:
- Fas/FasL pathway defects are crucial for chronic inflammation in a murine Sjögren's syndrome model.
- Nur77 plays a role in T cell apoptosis and thymic selection.
- Antigen-specific, FasL-expressing cells prevented diabetes development in NOD mice and reversed inflammatory dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of the Fas apoptosis pathway is a significant factor in autoimmune endocrine diseases.
- Hormonal factors and immune privilege sites interact with apoptosis pathways, influencing disease onset.
- Targeting the Fas/FasL pathway and NF-kappa B offers potential therapeutic avenues for endocrine autoimmune disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:45Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
01:45Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:29The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...