Cell suicide for beginners: The ability to commit suicide is a fundamental property of animal cells

Article Abstract:

In animal development cell death often continues into adulthood, and this is balanced by cell division. Many cells that die are healthy, but it is believed that cell death helps to mold parts of the body and eliminate structures that are no longer required. It has been proposed that normal cell deaths, and some pathological ones, are suicides. Studies in Caernorhabditis elegans identified ced-3 and ced-4 genes required for apoptosis. Although progress has been made in understanding apoptosis, there are still remaining mysteries.

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Cutting red-cell production

Article Abstract:

It has been established that activation of death receptors on erythroid cells prompts caspase-induced cleavage, and thus inactivation, of a nuclear regulatory protein known as GATA-1. This transcription factor is vital for the maturation and survival of erythroid precursors. This research indicates a previously unknown negative-control mechanism by which life, death and cellular maturation decisions focus on a single protein target. There is clearly a close relationship between cell-survival and cell-maturation programmes.

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Condensed matter in cell death

Article Abstract:

Apoptosis is identified by changes including nuclear chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, but the molecular basis of these events is still largely unclear. A nuclear factor essential for apoptotic chromatin, but not DNA fragmentation, has been identified. The new factor, named Acinus, is shown to be present mainly in the nucleus and is activated through cleavage by caspases during apoptosis. Acinus may be a useful tool in dissecting changes occurring in the nucleus during apoptosis.

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