Forefront Of Basic Research Research Articles

New cancer therapies based on the immune system

New cancer therapies based on the immune system

Life, death, and the pursuit of apoptosis.

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a genetically controlled response for cells to commit suicide. The symptoms of apoptosis are viability loss accompanied by cytoplasmic boiling, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation (Wyllie 1980). Pathologists and developmental biologists have cataloged the occurrences of apoptosis for many years based on these defined morphological features, but what has propelled apoptosis into the forefront of basic research has been the identification of genes that control cell death and the appreciation of the role of apoptosis in development and disease. Regulation of cell death is essential for normal development and is an important defense against viral infection and the emergence of cancer. Too much cell death can lead to impaired development and degenerative diseases, whereas too little cell death car/lead to cancer and persistent and sustained viral infection. The process of apoptosis is controlled through the expression of an increasing number of genes conserved in nematodes through mammals and viruses. Some gene products are activators of apoptosis, whereas others are inhibitors and the characterization of the function of these gene products will help to define the process of cell death at the biochemical level.

Prevention Research and Its Interface with Policy: Defining the Terms and Challenges

The United States has led the way in the development of new insights into the detection, treatment, and prevention of disease. Not only has the Nation′s research community ushered in the virtual elimination of nutrient deficiency diseases, dramatic reductions in childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and impressive gains against heart disease and stroke, it has also been at the forefront of basic research in genetics and molecular biology and the development of important diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. With health care reform comes an opportunity to build upon and strengthen the positive features of the Nation′s health system, including health research-in particular, research that fosters the prevention of health problems and a better informed application of medical services.