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Apoptosis and autophagy: regulatory connections between two supposedly different processes
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Andrew.Thorburn@uchsc.edu
Apoptosis : an International Journal on Programmed Cell Death
|November 9, 2007
Summary
Apoptosis and autophagy are key cell fate regulators involved in development and disease. Recent findings reveal intricate connections and shared regulators between these processes, suggesting they are part of a cell death continuum.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis and autophagy are genetically-regulated, evolutionarily-conserved processes crucial for cell fate.
- Both processes play significant roles in development, normal physiology, and various diseases.
- Distinct differences exist between apoptosis and autophagy, yet their regulation is increasingly found to be interconnected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the intricate connections between apoptosis and autophagy.
- To discuss molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between these two cell fate pathways.
- To propose a unified view of apoptosis and autophagy as facets of a cell death continuum.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on apoptosis and autophagy regulation.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking the two processes.
- Synthesis of findings to support a continuum model of cell death.
Main Results:
- Identified shared regulators that control both apoptosis and autophagy.
- Elucidated molecular pathways enabling crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy.
- Demonstrated that apoptosis and autophagy are not entirely separate processes.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis and autophagy share common regulatory mechanisms and exhibit crosstalk.
- Viewing these processes as a cell death continuum offers a new perspective.
- Understanding these connections is vital for comprehending cell fate in health and disease.
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