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Published on: November 14, 2025
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Regulated necrosis and its implications in toxicology
Toshihiko Aki1, Takeshi Funakoshi1, Koichi Uemura1
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Toxicology
|April 14, 2015
Summary
Regulated cell death encompasses more than apoptosis, including pyroptosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, ferroptosis, and autosis. These non-apoptotic cell death pathways offer new therapeutic targets in pharmacology and toxicology.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Apoptosis is not the only form of regulated cell death.
- Caspase-independent cell death pathways like pyroptosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, ferroptosis, and autosis have been identified.
- These pathways are genetically regulated and can be modulated by small molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review regulated cell death (RCD) mechanisms beyond apoptosis.
- To discuss the implications of RCD in toxicology.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating RCD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research developments in cell death.
- Analysis of small molecule modulators of regulated necrosis.
- Discussion of the role of RCD in toxicology and pharmacology.
Main Results:
- Several caspase-independent RCD pathways exist, including pyroptosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, ferroptosis, and autosis.
- Regulated necrosis can be manipulated using small molecule inhibitors and activators.
- These findings have significant implications for pharmacology and toxicology.
Conclusions:
- Regulated cell death is a broader concept than previously thought, involving multiple caspase-independent pathways.
- The ability to modulate regulated necrosis opens new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
- Understanding these pathways is crucial for advancing both pharmacology and toxicology.
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