Apoptosis Times 6

Abstract

Six reviews on apoptosis cover everything from the biochemistry of the apoptotic machinery to the physiological roles for apoptosis and pathologies associated with apoptotic mechanisms. Hengartner addresses the biochemistry of the apoptotic mechanism and the pathways that activate apoptosis. Rich, Allen, and Wyllie discuss how DNA damage is sensed and signals the apoptotic pathway and how the cell cycle checkpoints provide opportunities for cells to evade apoptosis by repairing the damage. Two articles cover apoptosis and the immune system: Savill and Fadok focus on mechanisms for the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages and how this process regulates immune responses; Krammer focuses on the role of CD95-mediated apoptosis in T cell and B cell development and during immune responses. Meier, Finch, and Evan review the contributions based on studies of nematode, fruitfly, and mouse to understanding the importance of apoptosis during development. Finally, Yuan and Yankner discuss the signaling pathways implicated in regulating apoptosis in the nervous system. Special attention is paid to the role apoptosis may play in several human diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Hengartner, M.O. (2000) The biochemistry of apoptosis. Nature 407: 770-776.[Online Journal]Rich, T., Allen, R.L., and Wyllie, A.H. (2000) Defying death after DNA damage. Nature 407: 777-783.[Online Journal]Savill, J., and Fadok, V. (2000) Corpse clearance defines the meaning of cell death. Nature 407: 784-788.[Online Journal]Krammer, P.H. (2000) CD95's deadly mission in the immune system. Nature 407: 789-795.[Online Journal]Meier, P., Finch, A., and Even, G. (200) Apoptosis in development. Nature 407: 796-801.[Online Journal]Yuan, J., and Yankner, B.A. (2000) Apoptosis in the nervous system. Nature 407: 802-809.[Online Journal]