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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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.
Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
12:55

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis

Published on: February 16, 2015

AIF: not just an apoptosis-inducing factor.

Nicholas Joza1, J Andrew Pospisilik, Emilie Hangen

  • 1INSERM,U848 Villejuif, France.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|September 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial protein crucial for programmed cell death. Research reveals its diverse roles beyond apoptosis, impacting metabolism, disease, and organismal physiology.

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

Published on: December 27, 2016

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
12:55

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis

Published on: February 16, 2015

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Apoptotic Biomarkers in Actinomycin D-Treated SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells
13:53

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Apoptotic Biomarkers in Actinomycin D-Treated SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells

Published on: August 26, 2021

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

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was initially identified as a mitochondrial protein involved in programmed cell death.
  • AIF translocates to the nucleus upon apoptosis induction, triggering DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation.
  • A caspase-independent cell death pathway mediated by AIF has been elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of AIF in cellular life and death.
  • To emphasize the in vivo functions of AIF across various biological contexts.
  • To highlight AIF's involvement in specific cell death pathways and physiological processes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on AIF.
  • Analysis of studies utilizing model organisms (yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, mice).
  • Integration of findings on AIF's roles in cell death, metabolism, and disease.

Main Results:

  • AIF mediates specific cell death pathways, including responses to excitotoxins, DNA alkylating agents, hypoxia-ischemia, and growth factor deprivation.
  • AIF plays significant roles in mitochondrial metabolism and redox control.
  • Emerging evidence links AIF to obesity and diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • AIF is a versatile protein with critical functions extending beyond its initial description.
  • Studies in model organisms underscore AIF's importance in animal physiology and human pathology.
  • A comprehensive understanding of AIF's in vivo functions is essential for elucidating its contributions to health and disease.