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Published on: May 3, 2013

Targeting disease through novel pathways of apoptosis and autophagy

Kenneth Maiese1, Zhao Zhong Chong, Yan Chen Shang

  • 1New Jersey Health Sciences University, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Signaling, F 1220, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07101, USA. wntin75@yahoo.com

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|August 29, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) and related pathways regulate apoptosis and autophagy. Targeting these pathways offers new therapeutic strategies for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Disease mechanisms

Background:

  • Apoptosis and autophagy are critical cell death processes.
  • Understanding their role in development and toxic environments is key for new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore novel signaling pathways governing apoptosis and autophagy.
  • To present implications for various disease entities.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated signaling pathways including WISP1, PI3K, Akt, β-catenin, and mTOR.
  • Examined their role during oxidant stress.

Main Results:

  • These pathways modulate apoptosis and autophagy under oxidant stress.
  • Implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, myocardial injury, trauma, immune dysfunction, and cancer.

Conclusions:

  • WISP1 and associated pathways (PI3K, Akt, β-catenin, mTOR) provide a novel therapeutic target for apoptosis and autophagy.
  • Further research can translate these findings into clinical strategies for untreatable disorders.

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