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Genetic control of necrosis - another type of programmed cell death

Kimberly McCall1

  • 1Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. kmccall@bu.edu

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|October 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Necrosis, once considered uncontrolled cell death, is now understood to be a programmed process. Recent research reveals conserved molecular events and inhibition possibilities across diverse organisms, challenging previous notions.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Necrosis has historically been viewed as an accidental, uncontrolled form of cell death.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a regulated sequence of events characterizes necrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the mechanisms of necrosis.
  • To highlight conserved pathways of necrosis across different species.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies from model organisms (C. elegans, yeast, Dictyostelium, Drosophila) and mammals.
  • Analysis of genetic and chemical manipulations affecting necrosis.

Main Results:

  • Necrosis involves a defined series of cellular events: organelle swelling, altered reactive oxygen species and calcium levels, ATP depletion, protease activation, and membrane rupture.
  • Necrosis can be pharmacologically and genetically inhibited, supporting its programmed nature.

Conclusions:

  • Necrosis is a controlled, programmed cell death pathway with conserved mechanisms.
  • Understanding these conserved mechanisms opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

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