ApoptoseWegführungen

ApoptoseWegführungen refers to specific cellular pathways that are activated during apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death. These pathways are crucial for the orderly removal of damaged, old, or unwanted cells without causing inflammation or harm to surrounding tissues. There are two main types of apoptotic pathways: the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathways.

The intrinsic pathway, also known as the mitochondrial pathway, is triggered by intracellular signals such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, or growth factor deprivation. These signals lead to changes in the mitochondrial membrane permeability, releasing pro-apoptotic factors like cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. Cytochrome c then binds to Apaf-1, forming an apoptosome complex that activates caspase-9.

The extrinsic pathway, also known as the death receptor pathway, is initiated by external signals. Specific death ligands, such as Fas ligand or TNF-alpha, bind to their corresponding death receptors on the cell surface. This binding triggers the recruitment of adaptor proteins and the activation of caspase-8 or caspase-10.

Both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways converge on the activation of executioner caspases, such as caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-7. These caspases then dismantle cellular components, including the nucleus and cytoskeleton, leading to the formation of apoptotic bodies that are subsequently phagocytosed by immune cells. Dysregulation of ApoptoseWegführungen can contribute to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.