Role of apoptosis in disease

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Updated: May 21, 2026

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

Bartolo Favaloro1, Nerino Allocati, Vincenzo Graziano

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Universita' "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy.

Aging
|June 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This review explores programmed cell death (apoptosis) and its role in disease. Understanding apoptosis pathways is crucial for developing new disease treatments, with some therapies already in use.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a fundamental biological process.
  • Over fifty years of research have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of apoptotic signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review classic caspase-dependent apoptosis and its disease-related variations.
  • To highlight the link between altered apoptotic pathways and human diseases.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on caspase-dependent apoptosis.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying apoptotic signaling.
  • Examination of the role of apoptosis dysregulation in various pathologies.

Main Results:

  • Alterations in apoptotic pathways are implicated in a wide range of human diseases.
  • Both reduced and excessive apoptosis can lead to pathological conditions.
  • Dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to disease development and progression.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding apoptosis is key to understanding disease.
  • Targeting apoptosis pathways offers promising therapeutic avenues.
  • Several apoptosis-regulating therapies are advancing through clinical trials and medical practice.

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