[Apoptosis]

Abstract

The aim of this review is firstly to summarize what we know at the present time on the structure of the apoptotic cell and on the main biochemical changes which characterize this type of cell death. Emphasis is put on the functions of a new group of proteases, the caspases, which play an essential role in cell demise. Description of the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis, is developed in the second part of the review, where the place of the bcl-2 gene superfamily is detailed such as the many results showing that mitochondria could play a key role in apoptosis regulation. Cell integration of these new findings with regard to apoptosis is illustrated by the description of the apoptotic Fas pathway, the mode of action of the proapoptotic cytokine TNF alpha and the analysis of the apoptosis mechanism when DNA is damaged and when the p53 gene is overexpressed. In the third part, the many circumstances where apoptosis occurs is detailed not only in physiological but also in pathophysiological and pathological conditions. The place of apoptosis and its therapeutic consequences in many human diseases are illustrated by some examples.