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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Use of LysoTracker to Detect Programmed Cell Death in Embryos and Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: October 11, 2012
Key note lecture: toward a mechanistic taxonomy for cell death programs
1Buck Institute for Age Research, CA 94945, USA. dbredesen@buckinstitute.org
Background And Purpose:
Programmed cell death (pcd) plays a critical role in the development of the nervous system, as well as in its response to insult. Both anti-pcd and pro-pcd modulators play prominent roles in development and disease, including ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The purpose of this article is therefore to review the basics of programmed cell death.
Methods:
There have been over 100 000 scientific and clinical publications on the topic of programmed cell death and its most well known form, apoptosis. The principles emerging from these studies are reviewed here.
Results:
Programmed cell death is a form of cell death in which the cell plays an active role in its own demise. Apoptosis is the most well-defined form of pcd, but recent studies have begun to characterize an alternative program, autophagic cell death. In addition, there appear to be programmatic cell deaths that do not fit the criteria for either apoptosis or autophagic cell death, arguing that additional programs may also be available to cells.
Conclusions:
Constructing a mechanistic taxonomy of all forms of pcd--based on inhibitors, activators, and identified biochemical pathways involved in each form of pcd--should offer new insight into cell deaths associated with cerebrovascular disease and other diseases, and ultimately offer new therapeutic approaches.
Insights
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a vital cellular process. This review covers apoptosis, autophagic cell death, and other PCD forms, crucial for understanding nervous system development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) is fundamental to nervous system development and response to injury.
- Modulators of PCD are implicated in both normal development and diseases like ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
Discussion:
- PCD involves the cell actively participating in its own demise.
- Apoptosis is the most recognized form of PCD, but autophagic cell death is also characterized.
- Emerging evidence suggests additional PCD pathways beyond apoptosis and autophagy.
Key Insights:
- Cells can initiate their own death through various programmed mechanisms.
- Multiple forms of PCD exist, including apoptosis and autophagic cell death.
- The diversity of PCD pathways highlights complex cellular regulation.
Outlook:
- Developing a mechanistic taxonomy of PCD forms is essential.
- Understanding PCD mechanisms can reveal insights into cerebrovascular diseases.
- Classifying PCD pathways may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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