[Apoptosis-reactivating agents for targeted anticancer therapy]
Abstract:
The current knowledge on molecular mechanisms of apoptosis is presented focusing on the key elements of the extrinsic death receptor pathway as well as the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Disregulation of apoptotic pathways is considered as a key factor in the survival of cancer cells in response to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy. Substances that selectively reactivate apoptosis in malignant cells are the promising candidate anticancer drugs, which have now entered various phases of clinical trials. The up-to-date techniques allowing for non-invasive in vivo visualization of apoptotic cells with special reference to therapy-induced cell death are briefly surveyed.
Insights
This study reviews apoptosis pathways and their role in cancer cell survival. It highlights novel anticancer drugs that reactivate apoptosis and methods for visualizing therapy-induced cell death.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Biology
Context:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for development and tissue homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to cancer cell survival and resistance to therapy.
- Understanding apoptosis mechanisms is key to developing effective cancer treatments.
Purpose:
- To present current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, including extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
- To discuss the role of apoptotic pathway dysregulation in cancer chemoresistance and radioresistance.
- To survey novel therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis and methods for visualizing therapy-induced cell death.
Summary:
- The extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis are detailed.
- Cancer cells evade apoptosis, leading to treatment resistance.
- New anticancer drugs aim to selectively induce apoptosis in malignant cells, with some in clinical trials.
- Non-invasive in vivo imaging techniques for monitoring therapy-induced apoptosis are reviewed.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of apoptosis in cancer biology.
- Identifies promising therapeutic targets and strategies for cancer treatment.
- Highlights advancements in visualizing treatment response in vivo.
- Informs future research on apoptosis-modulating cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

