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Published on: October 11, 2012
Cell death: history and future
Zahra Zakeri1, Richard A Lockshin
1Department of Biology, Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, New York 11361, USA. zahra_zakeri@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Cell death was observed and understood since the 19th century, but there was no experimental examination until the mid-20th century. Beginning in the 1960s, several laboratories demonstrated that cell death was biologically controlled (programmed) and that the morphology was common and not readily explained (apoptosis). By 1990, the genetic basis of programmed cell death had been established, and the first components of the cell death machinery (caspase 3, bcl-2, and Fas) had been identified, sequenced, and recognized as highly conserved in evolution. The rapid development of the field has given us substantial understanding of how cell death is achieved. However, this knowledge has made it possible for us to understand that there are multiple pathways to death and that the commitment to die is not the same as execution. A cell that has passed the commitment stage but is blocked from undergoing apoptosis will die by another route. We still must learn much more about how a cell commits to death and what makes it choose a path to die.
Insights
Cell death, particularly apoptosis, is a biologically controlled process. While much is known about its execution, understanding the commitment to die and alternative death pathways remains a key research area.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Cell death has been observed since the 19th century, with experimental investigations beginning in the mid-20th century.
- The concept of programmed cell death, characterized by apoptosis, emerged in the 1960s.
- Significant advancements in understanding the genetic basis and molecular components of programmed cell death occurred by 1990.
Observation:
- Early research identified apoptosis as a common, yet poorly explained, morphological characteristic of programmed cell death.
- Key components of the cell death machinery, including caspase 3, bcl-2, and Fas, were identified and sequenced.
- These components were recognized for their high degree of evolutionary conservation.
Findings:
- The field has achieved substantial understanding of the mechanisms by which cell death is executed.
- It is now understood that multiple pathways can lead to cell death.
- The commitment to die is distinct from the execution of cell death.
Implications:
- Cells blocked from apoptosis after commitment can die via alternative routes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of cell commitment to death.
- Understanding the factors influencing the choice of death pathway is crucial for future studies.
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