Apoptosis

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. During apoptosis, a cell initiates intracellular signaling in response to a strong stress or other cue. Death via apoptosis is characterized by many phenotypic changes in a cell, including cell shrinking, nuclear and chromosomal fragmentation, and PARP cleavage. Alternately, inhibitors of apoptosis may also have therapeutic value in preventing unregulated apoptosis in HIV or neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s)Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. During apoptosis, a cell initiates intracellular signaling in response to a strong stress or other cue. Death via apoptosis is characterized by many phenotypic changes in a cell, including cell shrinking, nuclear and chromosomal fragmentation, and PARP cleavage. Apoptosis is critical for proper embryonic development, immune system function, and hormone-dependent atrophy. Many of the most widely used cancer therapeutics activate apoptotic machinery to kill cancer cells.