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Apoptosis in cancer--an update

S Leena Sankari1, K M K Masthan, N Aravindha Babu

  • 1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, India.

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|December 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is vital for life. Dysregulation of this process contributes to diseases like cancer, but understanding its mechanisms offers therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Apoptosis is a fundamental biological process crucial for development and organismal survival.
  • It involves a regulated cellular self-destruction pathway impacting nuclear and cytoplasmic components.
  • Aberrations in apoptosis are implicated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms underlying apoptosis.
  • To explore the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of cancer.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of apoptosis mechanisms.
  • Analysis of apoptosis's role in disease.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis is a precisely controlled cellular process.
  • Disrupted apoptosis pathways are linked to significant pathologies.
  • Targeting apoptosis presents promising therapeutic avenues.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of apoptosis mechanisms is key to elucidating disease pathogenesis.
  • Modulating apoptosis offers significant potential for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into apoptosis pathways can unlock new treatment strategies for various diseases.

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