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Related Concept Videos

Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
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...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...

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Updated: May 16, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
12:17

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

Osteocyte apoptosis.

Robert L Jilka1, Brendon Noble, Robert S Weinstein

  • 1Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 587, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. rljilka@uams.edu

Bone
|December 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Osteocyte apoptosis, or cell death, is crucial for bone remodeling by signaling osteoclasts to remove bone. However, glucocorticoids induce osteocyte apoptosis without increasing osteoclasts, impairing bone health.

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Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
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Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis

Published on: February 16, 2015

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

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
12:17

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
12:55

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis

Published on: February 16, 2015

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

Area of Science:

  • Bone biology
  • Cellular signaling
  • Skeletal homeostasis

Background:

  • Osteocyte apoptosis has been known for over 15 years, but its role in bone homeostasis remains unclear.
  • A new understanding suggests osteocyte apoptosis is vital for recruiting osteoclasts in conditions like unloading, fatigue, and estrogen deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of osteocyte apoptosis in bone remodeling and homeostasis.
  • To investigate the signaling mechanisms by which dying osteocytes influence bone resorption.
  • To examine the specific effects of glucocorticoid-induced osteocyte apoptosis on bone quality.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on osteocyte apoptosis and bone remodeling.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis.
  • Examination of the consequences of glucocorticoid administration on osteocyte apoptosis and bone parameters.

Main Results:

  • Osteocyte apoptosis is a key event in osteoclast recruitment for bone removal in response to various stimuli.
  • Dying osteocytes release signals that stimulate viable osteocytes to produce osteoclastogenic cytokines.
  • Glucocorticoid-induced osteocyte apoptosis does not enhance osteoclast activity but compromises bone hydration, vascularity, and strength.

Conclusions:

  • Osteocyte apoptosis plays a critical role in targeted bone resorption and maintaining skeletal integrity.
  • The precise signals from dying osteocytes that regulate osteoclastogenesis require further definition.
  • Chronic glucocorticoid use induces detrimental osteocyte apoptosis, negatively affecting bone maintenance independently of osteoclast numbers.