Chapter 23: PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH

Regulating programmed cell death:

∑ Programmed cell death is termed apoptosis; apoptosis vs. necrosis; morphological stages of cell death (23-45).

∑ Survival of neurons is controlled by neurotrophins; Neurotrophins bind to their receptors (Trk) and inhibit apoptosis.

∑ Three classes of proteins (regulator, adapter and effector) form the apoptotic pathway; Regulators (i.e. Bcl-2) block apoptosis by preventing the activation of adapter proteins (i.e. Apaf-1), thereby rendering them unable to activate effector proteins (i.e. caspases).

∑ Pro-apoptotic factors include bax and bad; Bcl function; bax and bad function in the induction of apoptosis (23-50a); prevention of apoptosis by trophic factors (23-50b).