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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
[Cell death signalling: recent advances and therapeutic application]
Evelyne Ségal-Bendirdjian1, Charles Dudognon, Julie Mathieu
1Inserm U496/685, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Centre G. Hayem, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris.
Abstract:
Apoptosis is presently one of the most obvious targets for cancer treatment as its frequent inactivation in tumors contributes to carcinogenesis as well as resistance to chemotherapy. As knowledge of the apoptotic pathways and their regulation increases, it becomes obvious that this regulation is more complex than previously expected. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that alternative signalling pathways for cell death have to be considered. Understanding all the molecular events that regulate cell death may provide new opportunities for pathway-based rational therapy and for drug development. This review will focus on the emerging knowledge about these pathways and how this knowledge may be translated into more effective treatments for cancer.
Insights
Targeting apoptosis is key for cancer treatment due to its role in tumor growth and chemoresistance. New insights into cell death pathways offer novel strategies for drug development and effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Death Research
Context:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is frequently inactivated in tumors, promoting cancer development and treatment resistance.
- Tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance are linked to the dysregulation of apoptotic pathways.
- Emerging evidence suggests alternative cell death signaling pathways are crucial in cancer.
Purpose:
- To review current understanding of apoptosis and alternative cell death pathways in cancer.
- To explore the complexity of molecular events regulating cell death.
- To identify how this knowledge can inform new cancer therapies.
Summary:
- Apoptosis inactivation is a hallmark of cancer, contributing to carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance.
- Cancer cell death regulation is more complex than previously understood, involving alternative pathways.
- Understanding these molecular pathways is vital for developing novel, targeted cancer treatments.
Impact:
- Provides a foundation for pathway-based rational cancer therapy.
- Highlights opportunities for innovative drug development targeting cell death mechanisms.
- Aims to translate molecular insights into more effective clinical treatments for cancer.
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