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Alternative cell death mechanisms in development and beyond

Junying Yuan1, Guido Kroemer

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. jyuan@hms.harvard.edu

Genes & Development
|December 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian development involves multiple cell death pathways beyond canonical apoptosis. This review explores alternative mechanisms like necroptosis and entosis, highlighting their roles in development and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The canonical apoptosis pathway (Bcl-2 and caspase families) regulates cell death in model organisms.
  • Mammalian development shows minor defects in canonical apoptosis-deficient mutants, suggesting alternative pathways.
  • Cell death is crucial for mammalian development, tissue homeostasis, and pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate evidence for alternative cell death mechanisms in mammals.
  • To discuss the physiological relevance of these alternative pathways.
  • To explore mechanisms beyond canonical apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical evaluation of existing research.
  • Analysis of studies on various cell death modalities.
  • Synthesis of evidence for non-canonical cell death pathways.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports alternative cell death mechanisms, including autophagic cell death, necroptosis, entosis, and cornification.
  • These pathways operate independently of canonical apoptosis mediators.
  • Apoptosis in lower organisms can occur without canonical mediators.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple cell death mechanisms regulate mammalian development and homeostasis.
  • Alternative cell death pathways serve as primary or backup systems.
  • Understanding these diverse mechanisms is vital for comprehending physiological and pathological cell loss.

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