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Updated: May 9, 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

Xenobiotic-induced apoptosis: significance and potential application as a general biomarker of response

Leonard I Sweet Dora R Passino-Reader Peter G Meier Geneva M Omann

    Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of Exposure, Response, and Susceptibility to Chemicals
    |July 30, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a distinct cellular response to stress. It serves as a sensitive biomarker for environmental chemical contaminants and organismal health across diverse species.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Toxicology
    • Cell Biology
    • Biomarker Discovery

    Background:

    • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a distinct cellular process from necrosis.
    • Characterized by cytoplasm shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and plasma membrane asymmetry.
    • Apoptosis is conserved across species and modulated by chemical contaminants.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight apoptosis as a versatile biomarker.
    • To demonstrate its utility in assessing xenobiotic stress.
    • To review its application in environmental health studies.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing studies on apoptosis.
    • Analysis of cellular and organismal responses to chemical stressors.
    • Case study application in lake trout health assessment.

    Main Results:

    • Apoptosis is a sensitive and early indicator of chemical stress.
    • It reflects loss of cellular function and structure.
    • It provides mechanistic insights into xenobiotic interactions.

    Conclusions:

    • Apoptosis is a valuable biomarker for environmental health.
    • It is applicable across multiple cell systems and species.
    • Its use can inform on organismal stress and contaminant effects.

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