Apoptosis: Insights into Pathways and Role of p53, Bcl-2 and Sphingosine Kinases

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is characterized by certain morphological and biochemical characteristics. It is a vital process for normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Disturbances of apoptosis play a key role in many diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. The field of apoptosis research has been moving forward at a rapid rate. Although many of the key proteins that play a role in apoptosis have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of action of these proteins had not been fully elucidated. The aim of this mini-review is to provide a general overview on the process of apoptosis including pathways, regulation, the role of apoptosis in health and disease as well as the role of p53, Bcl-2 and sphingosine kinase-1 in apoptosis.