Many cell types are involved in apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death crucial for development and health. Apoptosis isn't restricted to a single cell type; rather, it's a mechanism employed by various cells throughout the body.
Understanding Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a natural and essential process where cells self-destruct in a controlled manner. This is different from necrosis, which is cell death due to injury or damage. Several pathways trigger apoptosis, often involving mitochondria and specific proteins.
Cell Types and Apoptosis
Apoptosis occurs in various cell types, including:
- Cardiac myocytes: As shown in research on Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes (https://www.jci.org/articles/view/119114).
- T cells: Studies show that tumor-associated B7-H1 promotes T-cell apoptosis (https://www.nature.com/articles/nm730).
- B-CLL cells: Constitutively activated Notch signaling affects the survival and apoptosis resistance of these cells (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18796623/).
- Endothelial cells: Research indicates a role for the Nupr1/Chop signal axis in mitochondrion-related apoptosis in these cells (https://www.nature.com/articles/cddis201667).
- PC12 cells: Colistin-induced apoptosis in these cells involves both mitochondrial and death receptor pathways (https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1684).
The involvement of mitochondria is highlighted in multiple studies. Mitochondria are vital for aerobic respiration, and their dysfunction is a key factor in some apoptotic pathways (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9858526/). Proteins targeting mitochondria affect their function, influencing the apoptotic process. Specific proteins like BAD (BCL2 associated agonist of cell death) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/572) directly regulate apoptosis. The c-Myc gene also plays a role, influencing apoptosis alongside cell growth and metabolism (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC83860/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9858526/).
