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Review: nuclear events in apoptosis
J D Robertson1, S Orrenius, B Zhivotovsky
1Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden. Sten.Orrenius@imm.ki.se
Journal of Structural Biology
|May 12, 2000
Summary
Apoptosis involves a regulated cellular program with key nuclear events like DNA fragmentation. Some nuclear changes in cell death can occur independently of caspase activity, highlighting complex regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, was initially defined by nuclear morphology and DNA fragmentation.
- Recent evidence highlights apoptosis as a tightly regulated cellular program involving multiple subcellular compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of nuclear events in apoptosis.
- To emphasize the regulation of these events, including protease and endonuclease activities, and Bcl-2 family protein influence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of apoptosis.
- Analysis of research on nuclear morphology, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-independent pathways.
Main Results:
- Nuclear changes characteristic of apoptosis can occur independently of caspase activity.
- Specific nuclear events like chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation are energy-dependent and separately controlled.
Conclusions:
- The regulation of nuclear events is critical for apoptosis execution.
- Protease and endonuclease activities, alongside Bcl-2 family proteins, play significant roles in modulating nuclear apoptosis.