Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a highly regulated biological process essential for normal development, tissue homeostasis, and immune regulation. Dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to a wide range of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Apoptosis occurs through intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor-mediated) pathways, involving caspases and regulatory proteins such as Bcl-2 family members and p53. Understanding the molecular basis of apoptosis provides insight into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, its physiological significance, and its involvement in major human diseases.
Ro'ziyeva et al. (2026) studied this question.