Journal of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics

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Opinion Article - Journal of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics (2023) Volume 8, Issue 4

Understanding apoptosis - programmed cell death

Shuibing Zhao *

Center for Genomic Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Shuibing Zhao
Center for Genomic Health, Weill Cornell Medicine
1300 York Avenue, New York
NY 10065, USA
E-mail: shc2202@med.cornell.edu

Received: 24- Jun -2023, Manuscript No. JMOT-23-109767; Editor assigned: 27-Jun-2023, PreQC No. JMOT-23-109767 (PQ); Reviewed: 14- Jul -2023, QC No. JMOT-23-109767; Revised: 17- Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JMOT-23-109767 (R); Published: 27-Jul-2023, DOI: 10.35841/jmot-8.4.154

Citation: Zhao S. Understanding apoptosis - programmed cell death. J Med Oncl Ther. 2023;8(4):154

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Abstract

  

Introduction

Cellular processes in the human body are incredibly intricate, tightly regulated, and essential for maintaining overall health and homeostasis. Among these processes, apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a fundamental role in controlling cell populations, removing damaged or unwanted cells, and shaping the development and functioning of tissues and organs. This mini-article explores the fascinating world of apoptosis, shedding light on its significance, mechanisms, and implications for various biological processes. Apoptosis, a term coined from the Greek word "apoptosis" meaning "falling off," is a genetically programmed form of cell death. Unlike necrosis, which is a chaotic and uncontrolled cell death caused by injury or damage, apoptosis follows a highly orchestrated process. It is crucial during embryonic development for sculpting tissues and organs and in adult organisms for maintaining tissue homeostasis and removing damaged or potentially harmful cells [1].

Apoptosis plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, ensuring the proper functioning of multicellular organisms. During embryogenesis, apoptosis eliminates unnecessary cells, refines tissue structures, and shapes developing organs. In adults, it is vital for the maintenance of tissue integrity and the elimination of cells that have completed their lifespan or have been damaged beyond repair. This programmed cell death also serves as a defense mechanism against viral infections and prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that could lead to cancer. Apoptosis is regulated by an intricate network of genes and signaling pathways. The two primary pathways involved in apoptosis are the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway and the extrinsic (death receptor) pathway. Both pathways ultimately activate a group of proteases called caspases, which are responsible for executing the cell death process [2].

The intrinsic pathway is primarily regulated by signals within the cell, often triggered by cellular stress, DNA damage, or lack of essential survival factors. Key regulators of this pathway include members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, which can either promote (pro-apoptotic) or inhibit (anti-apoptotic) cell death. When pro-apoptotic signals predominate, the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane is compromised, leading to the release of cytochrome c and other apoptogenic factors from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Cytochrome c binds to an adapter protein known as Apaf-1, forming a complex called the apoptosome, which activates caspase-9. This, in turn, triggers a cascade of caspase activations, ultimately leading to cell dismantling [3].

The extrinsic pathway is initiated by the binding of extracellular death ligands, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or Fas ligand, to specific death receptors on the cell surface. This binding recruits and activates caspase-8 through a series of protein interactions, leading to the execution of apoptosis. The extrinsic pathway is crucial in immune response regulation and immune surveillance, ensuring the elimination of virus-infected or abnormal cells. Apoptosis is tightly controlled by a delicate balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. Various cellular and environmental factors influence this balance, including growth factors, hormones, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and viral infections. The Bcl-2 family of proteins, mentioned earlier, is a key regulator in determining whether a cell undergoes apoptosis. Pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, inhibit apoptosis, while pro-apoptotic members, like Bax and Bak, promote it [4].

Dysregulation of apoptosis can have severe consequences and is associated with numerous diseases. Insufficient apoptosis can lead to cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, as damaged or malignant cells escape elimination. On the other hand, excessive apoptosis is implicated in conditions like neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic injuries, and AIDS, where the loss of essential cells can be detrimental. Understanding the mechanisms of apoptosis has paved the way for developing therapeutic interventions. Targeting apoptosis pathways has become an approach in cancer treatment, with strategies aiming to induce apoptosis in cancer cells or inhibit it in healthy cells during radiation and chemotherapy [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, apoptosis, the programmed cell death process, is a fundamental mechanism in the regulation of cell populations and tissue homeostasis. It ensures the proper development and functioning of multicellular organisms while defending against infections and tumorigenesis. The intricate signaling pathways and regulatory elements of apoptosis continue to be a subject of intense research, holding promising potential for therapeutic applications in various diseases.

References

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