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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Biochemistry of apoptotic cell death
Karmela Barisić1, Jozsef Petrik, Lada Rumora
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. kbarisic@pharma.hr
Abstract:
Apoptosis is a physiological cell suicide program that is critical for the development and maintenance of healthy tissues. Regulation of programmed cell death allows the organism to control the cell number and the tissue size, and to protect itself from rogue cells that threaten homeostasis. The changed activity of numerous genes influences switching of cells to a self-destruction program. Apoptosis requires co-ordinated action and fine tuning of a set of proteins that are either regulators or executors of the process. Cancer, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency disease, reperfusion injury and neurodegenerative disorders are characterised by disregulation of apoptosis. Modulation of the expression and activation of the key molecular components of the apoptotic process has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for many diseases.
Insights
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is vital for tissue health and homeostasis. Its dysregulation is linked to diseases like cancer, making its molecular components a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis is a fundamental physiological process crucial for development and tissue maintenance.
- Proper regulation of programmed cell death prevents uncontrolled cell proliferation and maintains organismal homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in various pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the critical role of apoptosis in physiological processes.
- To highlight the connection between apoptosis dysregulation and disease pathogenesis.
- To underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptosis.
- Analysis of gene and protein involvement in the apoptotic pathway.
- Examination of disease states associated with apoptosis dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis requires coordinated action of specific regulatory and executor proteins.
- Altered gene activity significantly impacts the initiation of cell self-destruction.
- Numerous diseases share common features of apoptosis disregulation.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is essential for normal development and tissue homeostasis.
- Targeting key molecular components of apoptosis offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.
- Understanding apoptosis mechanisms is critical for developing novel treatments.
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