Apoptosis (programmed cell death) and its signals - A review

Apoptose, morte celular programada e seus sinais: uma revisão

Abstract

Apoptosis is a sequential order of cell death occurring regularly to ensure a homeostatic balance between the rate of cell formation and cell death. However, a misplaced of this balancing function can contribute to an abnormal cell growth / proliferation or autoimmune disorders etc. Apoptosis is therefore said to be crucial from the point of development of an embryo throughout the growth of an organism contributing to the renewal of tissues and also the getting rid of inflammatory cells. This review seeks to elaborate on the recent overview of the mechanism involved in apoptosis, some element and signal contributing to its function and inhibition together with how their malfunction contribute to a number of cancer related cases.

Keywords:
apoptosis; Caspases; Bcl-2; p53; Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP)