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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death01:11

Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...

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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

LPS and ATP-induced Death of PMA-differentiated THP-1 Macrophages and its Validation
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LPS and ATP-induced Death of PMA-differentiated THP-1 Macrophages and its Validation

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Programmed cell death and cancer.

Y Sun1, Z-L Peng

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, West China Center of Medical Sciences, Sichuan University, Chendu, Sichuan, China.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|April 9, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Programmed cell death (PCD) encompasses apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective anti-cancer therapies by targeting cell death mechanisms in tumors.

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Published on: October 11, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD) is vital for multicellular organisms, regulating development and tissue health.
  • Dysfunctional PCD is linked to human diseases, particularly various cancers.
  • PCD plays a significant role in the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the main features and functions of the three primary types of PCD: apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis.
  • To focus on the specific roles of these cell death modalities within tumor cells.
  • To explore the interrelationships between these PCD types in the context of anti-cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on programmed cell death.
  • Analysis of criteria differentiating apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis (morphology, signaling, caspases).
  • Synthesis of information regarding PCD's role in cancer and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • PCD is classified into apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis based on distinct molecular and morphological characteristics.
  • Each PCD type exhibits unique functions and influences tumor cell behavior differently.
  • The interplay between these cell death pathways is critical for successful anti-cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Programmed cell death, encompassing apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis, is fundamental to biological processes and cancer development.
  • Targeting specific PCD pathways offers promising avenues for novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into the complex interactions of these cell death types can optimize cancer treatment outcomes.