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Apoptosis and disease: regulation and clinical relevance of programmed cell death

C M Rudin1, C B Thompson

  • 1Gwen Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.

Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Maintaining the balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis) is vital for health. Dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to numerous diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell proliferation and cell death are crucial for organism development and maintenance.
  • Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a genetically controlled process essential for homeostasis.
  • The regulatory mechanisms of apoptosis are complex and parallel those of cell proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of apoptosis regulation in multicellular organisms.
  • To underscore the significance of understanding apoptosis pathways for human health.
  • To explore the link between apoptosis dysregulation and various human diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on programmed cell death.
  • Analysis of signaling cascades involved in apoptosis.
  • Examination of genetic and molecular perturbations affecting apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis regulation is fundamental to development and homeostasis.
  • Disruptions in apoptosis signaling contribute to diseases like cancer, AIDS, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Understanding apoptosis pathways offers insights into disease etiology and pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The regulation of programmed cell death is as complex and vital as cell proliferation.
  • Perturbations in apoptosis signaling are implicated in a wide spectrum of human diseases.
  • Further research into apoptosis regulation is needed to develop new therapeutic strategies.

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