Mitochondria are a key cell organ involved in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a crucial process for maintaining tissue homeostasis and development. While many factors can initiate apoptosis, mitochondria play a central role, particularly in mediating apoptosis triggered by intracellular signals.
Several research studies highlight the importance of mitochondria in apoptosis:
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Intracellular Signal Mediation: Mitochondria are specifically implicated in mediating apoptosis initiated by signals originating within the cell. ([Reference: Mitochondria play a pivotal role in apoptosis. Apoptosis or programmed cell death can be initiated by both intracellular and extracellular signals. Mitochondria are responsible for mediating apoptosis initiated by intracellular signals. 21-Oct-2020])
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Organ Dysfunction and Apoptosis: Organ-specific cell death, including both parenchymal and endothelial cells, can involve apoptosis and contribute to organ dysfunction. ([Reference: Organ-specific cell death involving both parenchymal and microvasculature endothelial cells is conceivably underlying organ dysfunction.])
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Apoptosis in Various Organs: Studies have shown apoptosis occurring in different organs under various conditions. For instance, apoptosis is observed in cardiomyocytes of hypertensive mouse hearts and in the kidneys of hypertensive mice. ([Reference: Fig 5 shows that apoptosis occurs in cardiomyocytes of the hypertensive mouse heart (Fig 5A and 5B). In the hypertensive mouse kidney apoptosis…])
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Immune Cell Apoptosis: Apoptosis of immune cells within lymphoid tissues and gut-associated lymphoid tissues is also implicated in various pathological conditions. ([Reference: Immune cell apoptosis in lymphoid tissues and gut-associated lymphoid tissues…])
While other cellular processes contribute to apoptosis, the mitochondrion's role in initiating and mediating the process is central.
