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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Flow Cytometric Determination of Pyroptosis in Avian Cells
Published on: May 31, 2024
Mechanism and regulation of pyroptosis-mediated in cancer cell death
Jianwei Ruan1, Shijian Wang1, Jiabing Wang1
1Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, China.
Abstract:
Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has garnered increasing attention as it relates to innate immunity and diseases. The discovery of caspase-1/3/4/5/8/11 function in sensing various challenges expands the spectrum of pyroptosis mediators and also reveals that pyroptosis is not cell type specific. Recent studies have identified that pyroptosis has become a new topic in cancer research because it may affect all stages of carcinogenesis. In this mini-review, we provided a primer on pyroptosis, discussed the induction of pyroptosis in cancer and its implications in cancer management. Moreover, its two important executioners, the gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin E (GSDME), the functions and mechanisms of them involved in the regulation of cancer therapy were focused on. Small molecules-mediated pyroptosis were found to effectively inhibit various tumor cells. In brief, the findings of pyroptosis-dependent cancer progression, new drugs and therapeutic targets may lead to a promising, novel therapeutic approach for cancer patients.
Insights
Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death, is crucial in immunity and disease. Targeting pyroptosis, especially via gasdermin effectors, offers a promising new avenue for effective cancer therapy and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pyroptosis is a key form of programmed cell death linked to innate immunity and various diseases.
- Its role in sensing cellular challenges is mediated by caspases, indicating it is not cell-type specific.
- Emerging research highlights pyroptosis's significance across all stages of carcinogenesis, making it a novel cancer research topic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a foundational understanding of pyroptosis.
- To explore pyroptosis induction in cancer and its therapeutic implications.
- To focus on gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin E (GSDME) as key pyroptosis executioners in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pyroptosis mechanisms and roles in cancer.
- Analysis of caspase functions in pyroptosis induction.
- Examination of gasdermin family proteins (GSDMD, GSDME) in cancer regulation.
- Review of small molecule-induced pyroptosis in tumor cells.
Main Results:
- Pyroptosis mediators, including caspases, are diverse and not restricted to specific cell types.
- Pyroptosis influences all phases of cancer development and progression.
- Gasdermin D and E play critical roles in regulating cancer therapy outcomes.
- Small molecules inducing pyroptosis demonstrate significant efficacy against various tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Pyroptosis is a critical cellular process with implications for innate immunity and disease pathology.
- Targeting pyroptosis, particularly its gasdermin-mediated pathways, presents a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer.
- Further research into pyroptosis-dependent cancer progression and therapeutic targets could yield promising treatments for cancer patients.
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