Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
[Biology and pathobiology of death receptors in liver]
1Surgical Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041.
Abstract:
Death receptors induce apoptosis by intracellular signaling transmission and relate to body growth, development, disease and death. This paper reviews the structural character of death receptors, and the mechanisms by which apoptosis is induced. The biology and pathobiology of these death receptors in liver are discussed as well.
Insights
Death receptors initiate programmed cell death (apoptosis) through intracellular signals, impacting growth, development, and disease. This review covers their structure, apoptosis induction mechanisms, and roles in liver biology and pathology.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Signaling
- Hepatology
Background:
- Death receptors are key mediators of apoptosis, a crucial process for multicellular organisms.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in various diseases, including liver disorders.
- Understanding death receptor signaling is vital for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural characteristics of death receptors.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of apoptosis induction by death receptors.
- To discuss the biological and pathobiological roles of death receptors specifically in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of structural and functional studies on death receptors.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in death receptor-mediated apoptosis.
- Examination of evidence linking death receptors to liver physiology and pathology.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of death receptor structures and their ligand-binding domains.
- Explanation of the intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., DISC formation) leading to apoptosis.
- Compilation of data on the involvement of specific death receptors in liver homeostasis and disease states like hepatitis and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Death receptors are critical regulators of apoptosis with diverse roles in the liver.
- Their structural features dictate signaling specificity and downstream effects.
- Further research into liver-specific death receptor biology may yield novel therapeutic targets for hepatic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Death
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...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Necrosis
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

