Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor
20:16

Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor

Published on: February 1, 2018

Apoptosis in the vasculature: mechanisms and functional importance

Z Mallat1, A Tedgui

  • 1INSERM U541 & IFR "Circulation-Paris VII", 41, Bd de la Chapelle, 75475 Paris, Cedex 10, France.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 6, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Apoptotic cell death plays a role in vascular diseases like atherosclerosis. Understanding apoptosis mechanisms may lead to new therapies for vascular conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cell Death Mechanisms
  • Vascular Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Apoptotic cell death is increasingly recognized in vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis.
  • Apoptosis is a regulated process, unlike oncosis, offering therapeutic intervention potential.
  • Vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells are key players in vascular disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of vascular cell survival and apoptosis.
  • To explore the role of apoptosis in atherosclerosis and restenosis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of modulating apoptosis in vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of apoptosis mechanisms in vascular cells.
  • Analysis of the role of programmed cell death in atherosclerosis.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis.
  • Mechanisms governing vascular cell survival and apoptosis are complex.
  • Modulating apoptosis presents a promising therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting apoptosis offers a potential strategy for treating vascular diseases.
  • Further research into apoptosis regulation is crucial for developing effective therapies.
  • Understanding programmed cell death is key to advancing cardiovascular medicine.

More Related Videos

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity12:17

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

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.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...