Abstract
Genetic analysis of programmed cell death in C. elegans has led to the identification of two genes, ced-9, a cell death suppressor, and ced-3, a cell death inducer, that play critical roles in regulating programmed cell death. The ced-9 and ced-3 genes were found to encode proteins that share structural and functional similarities with the mammalian proto-oncogene product Bcl-2 and interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE), respectively. Multiple members of the Bcl-2 family and the ICE family have been identified in vertebrates. These results suggest that the mechanism of apoptosis in vertebrates may be evolved from a much simpler version of a similar pathway in primitive organisms.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
