Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2013
Apoptosis in colorectal cancer
M Stoian1, N State1, V Stoica1
1"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Internal Medicine Department, "Dr. Ion Cantacuzino" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest.
Abstract:
Apoptosis is an inborn process that has been preserved during evolution; it allows the cells to systematically inactivate, destroy and dispose of their own components thus leading to their death. This programme can be activated by both intra and extracellular mechanisms. The intracellular components involve a genetically defined development programme while the extracellular aspects regard endogenous proteins, cytokines and hormones as well as xenobiotics, radiations, oxidative stress and hypoxia. The ability of a cell to enter apoptosis as a response to a "death" signal depends on its proliferative status, the position in the cell cycle and also on the controlled expression of those genes that have the capacity of promoting and inhibiting cell death. The fine regulation of these parameters needs to be maintained in order to ensure the physiological environment required for the induction of apoptosis. Any malfunction in any of the steps of controlled cellular death can lead to dysfunctions and, as a consequence, to different pathological conditions. The importance of apoptosis lies in its active nature and in the potential of controlling biological systems.
Insights
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a vital evolutionary process. Its precise regulation is crucial for maintaining health, as disruptions can lead to various pathological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Apoptosis is a fundamental, evolutionarily conserved process of programmed cell death.
- Cellular self-destruction can be triggered by both internal (intracellular) and external (extracellular) signals.
- Factors influencing apoptosis include genetic programming, cellular proliferation status, cell cycle phase, and gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms and regulatory pathways of apoptosis.
- To highlight the critical role of apoptosis in maintaining physiological homeostasis.
- To underscore the link between dysregulated apoptosis and the development of pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on apoptosis.
- It synthesizes information on intracellular and extracellular triggers of apoptosis.
- Analysis focuses on the genetic and cellular factors governing the apoptotic process.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis involves systematic cellular component inactivation, destruction, and disposal.
- Both endogenous factors (proteins, cytokines, hormones) and exogenous stimuli (xenobiotics, radiation, stress, hypoxia) can initiate apoptosis.
- The cell's response to apoptotic signals is contingent upon its proliferative status, cell cycle position, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes.
Conclusions:
- The controlled execution of apoptosis is essential for normal biological function.
- Disruptions in the apoptotic pathway can result in significant physiological dysfunctions and diseases.
- Apoptosis represents a critical mechanism for biological system control.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
01:30Overview of Cell Death
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...