[Apoptosis modulators]

A A Fil'chenkov1

  • 1Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vasylkivska 45, Kiev, 03022, Ukraine. apoclub@mail.ru

Biomeditsinskaia Khimiia
|October 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Apoptosis, a key cell death process, is crucial in disease. This review explores novel apoptosis-modulating therapies, including antibodies and small molecules, for enhanced treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Context:

  • Apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis are fundamental cell death mechanisms.
  • Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, highlighting its therapeutic relevance.
  • Understanding apoptosis pathways is critical for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose:

  • To review recent advancements in apoptosis-modulating therapies.
  • To discuss the clinical potential of various apoptomodulators, including monoclonal antibodies, proteins, peptides, and small molecules.
  • To explore strategies for integrating these therapies with existing treatments.

Summary:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on apoptosis modulation for therapeutic applications.
  • It covers diverse drug classes targeting apoptosis, such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecules.
  • The discussion includes the rationale for using these agents to improve standard therapies.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of novel apoptosis-targeting drugs.
  • Highlights the potential of apoptomodulators to enhance the efficacy of current medical treatments.
  • Offers insights into future therapeutic strategies for diseases involving apoptosis dysregulation.

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.