Apoptosis: mechanisms and clinical implications
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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
Published on: February 16, 2015
1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
Abstract:
The balance between cell survival and death is under tight genetic control. A multiplicity of extracellular signals and intracellular mediators is involved in maintaining this balance. When the cell is exposed to physical, biochemical or biological injury, or deprived of necessary substances, it activates a series of stress-response genes. With minimal insults, the cell may recover. With greater insults, single cell death, or apoptosis, results; the cell dies and is recycled to its neighbours. If the insult overwhelms a large number of cells then necrosis ensues, with an accompanying inflammatory response. Dysregulation of the controlling mechanisms of this system results in disease. Deficient apoptosis is associated with cancer, auto-immunity and viral infections. Excessive apoptosis is associated with ischaemic heart disease, stroke, neurodegenerative disease, sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. There are myriad therapeutic options unfolding as understanding is gained of apoptosis and its control.
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