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Apoptotic and Nonapoptotic Cell Death in Caenorhabditis elegans Development

Lauren Bayer Horowitz1, Shai Shaham1

  • 1Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA; email: lbhorowitz@rockefeller.edu, shaham@rockefeller.edu.

Annual Review of Genetics
|July 2, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Programmed cell death (PCD) research in *Caenorhabditis elegans* reveals new molecular mechanisms for both apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death during development. This work advances understanding of cell death execution and clearance, crucial for development and disease insights.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD) is vital for animal development, with disruptions linked to various disorders.
  • The nematode *Caenorhabditis elegans* is a key model organism for studying conserved cell death pathways, including apoptosis.
  • Recent research has identified nonapoptotic, caspase-independent cell death programs in *C. elegans*.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding cell death mechanisms during *C. elegans* development.
  • To highlight new discoveries in the molecular execution of apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death.
  • To discuss progress in the understanding of dying cell engulfment and clearance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on programmed cell death in *Caenorhabditis elegans*.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways governing apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death.
  • Examination of mechanisms for cellular debris clearance.

Main Results:

  • Expanded understanding of the molecular components involved in executing both apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death.
  • New insights into the cellular processes of engulfment and clearance of dying cells.
  • Identification of conserved pathways that regulate cell death during development.

Conclusions:

  • *Caenorhabditis elegans* continues to be a powerful model for dissecting conserved cell death pathways.
  • Advances in understanding cell death execution and clearance provide critical insights into developmental processes.
  • Further research is needed to address open questions in cell death regulation and its role in disease.
Keywords:
Caenorhabditis elegansapoptosislinker cell–type deathnonapoptotic cell deathphagocytosisprogrammed cell death

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