Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila
Published on: November 27, 2016
Cell death mechanisms: cross-talk and role in disease
Boris Zhivotovsky1, Sten Orrenius
1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Boris.Zhivotovsky@ki.se
Abstract:
Multiple cell death mechanisms operate in both uni- and multicellular organisms. Hence, research during the past forty years has revealed that apoptosis is not the only cell death program involved in the regulation of tissue homeostasis and the removal of unwanted cells in biological organisms. While the molecular pathways of apoptosis and necrosis are now relatively well established, the precise mechanisms of other cell death modalities, and their cross-talk, require additional study. This is particularly important, since many human disorders can be attributed, directly or indirectly, to defective cell death mechanisms. In this review we shall discuss the characteristics and cross-talk between various modes of cell death and their role in cell death-related disorders, notably, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-bridge Cycle
Overview of Cell Death
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...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cellular Injury I: Introduction
Caspases
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis
