Several genes play a crucial role in controlling cell death, particularly in the process of programmed cell death or apoptosis.
- Ced-3 and Ced-4 are two essential genes for apoptosis in the nematode C. elegans. Inactivation of either gene prevents normal programmed cell death.
- Ced-9 acts as a negative regulator of apoptosis in C. elegans. When it is inactivated, cells that would normally survive fail to do so.
- Reaper (rpr), Head involution defective (hid), and Grim are genes found in Drosophila that collectively promote apoptosis.
- p53, p21, and RB are genes involved in cell cycle regulation and can influence apoptosis by controlling the expression of genes that promote cell death.
- BCL-2 family genes are critical regulators of the apoptotic pathway. They control the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, influencing the decision to initiate cell death.
- FoxO genes, specifically foxO in planarians, have a conserved role in controlling cell death.
- CFLAR gene encodes c-FLIP, a protein regulated by NF-κB and involved in pro-survival signaling via TNFR1.
These genes represent just a few examples of the complex genetic network involved in regulating cell death. Understanding how these genes interact and influence each other is crucial for investigating diseases involving dysregulation of apoptosis, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
