Apoptosis is characterized by a series of dramatic perturbations to the cellular architecture that contribute not only to cell death, but also prepare cells for removal by phagocytes and prevent unwanted immune responses.
Much of what happens during the demolition phase of apoptosis is orchestrated by members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases (CASPs).
These proteases target several hundred proteins for restricted proteolysis in a controlled manner that minimizes damage and disruption to neighbouring cells and avoids the release of immunostimulatory molecules.
caspases-dependent apoptosis pathway
caspases-independent apoptosis pathway
Pathology of apoptosis
pathology of caspases
- caspase-9 (CASP9)
pathology of fas and fas-ligand
pathology of the bcl-2 pathway
pathology of P53
defects in the transmembrane tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1): familial periodic fever syndrome
mutations in the homologous receptor Fas (CD95; Apo-1) in malignant lymphomas, solid tumors and the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome type I (ALPS I)
mutation in the ligand for Fas (FASL; Fas ligand; CD95 ligand, Apo-1 ligand): systemic lupus erythematosus and lymphadenopathy
Perforin (cytotoxic protein of T- and NK-cells for target cell killing): familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Caspase 10 (CASP10) (caspase family of proteases): autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome type II (ALPS II)
intracellular pro-apoptotic molecule bcl-10: mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas and various non-hematologic malignancies
p53 (TP53), an executioner of DNA damage triggered apoptosis
Bax (BAX), a pro-apoptotic molecule with the ability to perturb mitochondrial membrane integrity, are frequently mutated in malignant neoplasms
anti-apoptotic proteins like bcl-2, cellular-inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (c-IAP2)
neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein 1 (NAIP1) are often altered in follicular lymphomas, MALT lymphomas and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
See also
apoptosome
apoptotic body
inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs)
apoptosis in neurodegenerative disorders
mitochondria-mediated apoptosis
apoptotic hepatocytes (apoptotic bodies)
apoptotic keratinocytes
apoptotic engulfment
anti-apoptosis therapy
Videos
Apoptosis
Apoptosis of osteoclasts
References
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