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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
Published on: February 16, 2015
Major apoptotic mechanisms and genes involved in apoptosis
Yağmur Kiraz1,2, Aysun Adan1, Melis Kartal Yandim2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gül University, 38080, Kayseri, Turkey.
Abstract:
As much as the cellular viability is important for the living organisms, the elimination of unnecessary or damaged cells has the opposite necessity for the maintenance of homeostasis in tissues, organs and the whole organism. Apoptosis, a type of cell death mechanism, is controlled by the interactions between several molecules and responsible for the elimination of unwanted cells from the body. Apoptosis can be triggered by intrinsically or extrinsically through death signals from the outside of the cell. Any abnormality in apoptosis process can cause various types of diseases from cancer to auto-immune diseases. Different gene families such as caspases, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 family of genes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor gene superfamily, or p53 gene are involved and/or collaborate in the process of apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the basic features of apoptosis and have focused on the gene families playing critical roles, activation/inactivation mechanisms, upstream/downstream effectors, and signaling pathways in apoptosis on the basis of cancer studies. In addition, novel apoptotic players such as miRNAs and sphingolipid family members in various kind of cancer are discussed.
Insights
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is vital for health, while its dysregulation causes diseases like cancer. This review explores key gene families and pathways involved in apoptosis, including novel players in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cellular viability is crucial, but eliminating damaged cells via apoptosis is essential for homeostasis.
- Apoptosis, a regulated cell death mechanism, removes unwanted cells, preventing disease.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is linked to various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental aspects of apoptosis.
- To focus on critical gene families, their activation/inactivation, and signaling pathways in apoptosis, particularly in cancer.
- To discuss emerging apoptotic regulators like miRNAs and sphingolipids in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on apoptosis mechanisms and gene families.
- Analysis of signaling pathways and effector molecules involved in apoptosis.
- Inclusion of recent findings on novel apoptotic players in cancer.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of apoptosis regulation by gene families (caspases, Bcl-2, TNF superfamily, p53).
- Explanation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis triggers and signaling cascades.
- Highlighting the role of miRNAs and sphingolipids as novel factors in cancer-related apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is a complex, tightly regulated process critical for preventing diseases like cancer.
- Understanding apoptosis pathways and regulators offers therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
- Emerging factors like miRNAs and sphingolipids present new avenues for cancer therapy research.
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