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Apoptosis overview emphasizing the role of oxidative stress, DNA damage and signal-transduction pathways
C M Payne1, C Bernstein, H Bernstein
1Arizona Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA.
Abstract:
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a central protective response to excess oxidative damage (especially DNA damage), and is also essential to embryogenesis, morphogenesis and normal immune function. An understanding of the cellular events leading to apoptosis is important for the design of new chemotherapeutic agents directed against the types of leukemias and lymphomas that are resistant to currently used chemotherapeutic protocols. We present here a review of the characteristic features of apoptosis, the cell types and situations in which it occurs, the types of oxidative stress that induce apoptosis, the signal-transduction pathways that either induce or prevent apoptosis, the biologic significance of apoptosis, the role of apoptosis in cancer, and an evaluation of the methodologies used to identify apoptotic cells. Two accompanying articles, demonstrating classic apoptosis and non-classic apoptosis in the same Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoid cell line, are used to illustrate the value of employing multiple criteria to determine the type of cell death occurring in a given experimental system. Aspects of apoptosis and programmed cell death that are not covered in this review include histochemistry, details of cell deletion processes in the sculpting of tissues and organs in embryogenesis and morphogenesis, and the specific pathways leading to apoptosis in specific cell types. The readers should refer to the excellent books and reviews on the morphology, biochemistry and molecular biology of apoptosis already published on these topics. Emphasis is placed, in this review, on a proposed common pathway of apoptosis that may be relevant to all cell types.
Insights
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a key protective mechanism against oxidative damage and vital for development and immunity. Understanding apoptosis pathways is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies, particularly for resistant leukemias and lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a fundamental biological process involved in development, immunity, and cellular protection.
- Oxidative stress, particularly DNA damage, can trigger apoptosis, highlighting its role in maintaining cellular integrity.
- Understanding apoptosis is critical for designing targeted chemotherapeutic agents for resistant cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristic features, occurrence, and inducers of apoptosis.
- To explore signal-transduction pathways regulating apoptosis and its biological significance.
- To evaluate methodologies for identifying apoptotic cells and discuss its role in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of apoptosis research.
- Analysis of signal-transduction pathways involved in apoptosis.
- Evaluation of methods for identifying apoptotic cells.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis is a crucial response to oxidative damage and essential for embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and immune function.
- The review covers various aspects of apoptosis, including its role in cancer and methods for its identification.
- A proposed common pathway of apoptosis relevant to all cell types is emphasized.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is a vital cellular process with significant implications for health and disease.
- Further understanding of apoptosis pathways can lead to improved cancer treatment strategies.
- Employing multiple criteria is essential for accurately determining cell death mechanisms.