Overview of cell death signaling pathways

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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
09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

Zhaoyu Jin1, Wafik S El-Deiry

  • 1Department of Medicine (Hem/Onc), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Cancer Biology & Therapy
|February 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is crucial for tissue health and development. Dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to diseases like cancer, highlighting the need for understanding cell death pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is essential for tissue homeostasis and development.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of apoptotic signaling pathways is critical for biological research.
  • Caspases are key executioners of apoptosis, acting through intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the molecular mechanisms governing apoptotic signaling pathways.
  • To elucidate the roles of caspases and the two major apoptotic pathways.
  • To investigate the implications of apoptosis dysregulation in pathological disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing literature on apoptosis.
  • Analysis of molecular signaling cascades involved in apoptosis initiation, mediation, execution, and regulation.
  • Examination of cellular mechanisms, including apoptotic body formation and phagocytosis.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis proceeds via distinct extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, both converging on caspase activation.
  • Cellular apoptosis is tightly regulated by complex networks, including pro-survival signals.
  • Apoptotic bodies are formed and cleared via phagocytosis, maintaining tissue integrity.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulation of apoptosis is linked to various diseases, including cancer, developmental defects, and neurodegeneration.
  • Alternative cell death pathways like necrosis and autophagy are also under investigation.
  • A comprehensive understanding of cell death signaling is vital for developing novel cancer therapeutics.

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