Spreading the word: non-autonomous effects of apoptosis during development, regeneration and disease
Ainhoa Pérez-Garijo1, Hermann Steller2
1Strang Laboratory of Apoptosis and Cancer Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Apoptosis, in contrast to other forms of cell death such as necrosis, was originally regarded as a 'silent' mechanism of cell elimination designed to degrade the contents of doomed cells. However, during the past decade it has become clear that apoptotic cells can produce diverse signals that have a profound impact on neighboring cells and tissues. For example, apoptotic cells can release factors that influence the proliferation and survival of adjacent tissues. Apoptosis can also affect tissue movement and morphogenesis by modifying tissue tension in surrounding cells. As we review here, these findings reveal unexpected roles for apoptosis in tissue remodeling during development, as well as in regeneration and cancer.
Insights
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is not silent but actively signals to influence neighboring cells. These signals impact tissue remodeling, development, regeneration, and cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis was traditionally viewed as a silent cell elimination process.
- Recent findings reveal apoptotic cells actively signal to surrounding tissues.
- These signals influence cell proliferation, survival, and tissue dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging understanding of apoptotic cell signaling.
- To highlight the non-silent roles of apoptosis in biological processes.
- To explore implications in development, regeneration, and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on apoptosis.
- Analysis of signaling pathways initiated by apoptotic cells.
- Synthesis of findings on tissue-level effects of apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic cells release factors influencing proliferation and survival of adjacent cells.
- Apoptosis modulates tissue tension, affecting morphogenesis and movement.
- Evidence suggests active roles for apoptosis in tissue remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis plays active, signaling roles beyond simple cell elimination.
- These roles are critical in tissue remodeling during development and regeneration.
- Dysregulated apoptotic signaling may contribute to cancer development.
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