From sentencing to execution – the processes of apoptosis

Abstract

Cell proliferation and apoptosis play a major role in maintaining homeostasis and as such any disruption within these processes can lead to disease states. Apoptosis occurs in three non-distinct phases--induction, effector and degradation--and can be executed through both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in addition to recognised sub-pathways such as the p53 and lysosomal pathways. This review article highlights these pathways, incorporating an overview of the molecular regulators of apoptosis.