Apoptotic cell death in disease-Current understanding of the NCCD 2023

by Selleckchem | Jul 09 2023

Apoptosis is a form of regulated cell death (RCD) that involves proteases of the caspase family. Pharmacological and genetic strategies that experimentally inhibit or delay apoptosis in mammalian systems have elucidated the key contribution of this process not only to (post-)embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, but also to the etiology of multiple human disorders. Consistent with this notion, while defects in the molecular machinery for apoptotic cell death impair organismal development and promote oncogenesis, the unwarranted activation of apoptosis promotes cell loss and tissue damage in the context of various neurological, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, infectious, neoplastic and inflammatory conditions. Here, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) gathered to critically summarize an abundant pre-clinical literature mechanistically linking the core apoptotic apparatus to organismal homeostasis in the context of disease.

Comments:

Apoptosis is a highly regulated process of cell death that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and the pathogenesis of human diseases. The caspase family of proteases is instrumental in executing apoptosis. Experimental approaches using pharmacological and genetic strategies to inhibit or delay apoptosis have provided valuable insights into the significance of this process in mammalian systems.

Apoptosis is involved in multiple aspects of organismal development, ensuring proper tissue formation and organogenesis. Dysfunctions in the molecular machinery controlling apoptotic cell death can lead to developmental abnormalities and increase the risk of developing cancer. On the other hand, excessive or inappropriate activation of apoptosis can result in cell loss and tissue damage, contributing to various disease conditions.

The Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) convened to critically review the extensive pre-clinical literature that connects the core apoptotic machinery to organismal homeostasis in the context of disease. This committee aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanistic links between apoptosis and a wide range of pathological conditions, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, renal dysfunction, liver diseases, infections, cancer, and inflammatory disorders.

By elucidating the role of apoptosis in these disease contexts, the NCCD's work helps to deepen our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. This knowledge is crucial for the development of novel treatments that can modulate apoptosis to restore tissue homeostasis and prevent or alleviate disease progression.

It is important to note that my response is based on information available up until September 2021. The NCCD may have published updated findings and recommendations since then, so it's always advisable to refer to the latest scientific literature for the most current information.