PMID: 9178547Jun 1, 1997Paper

An adaptationist view of apoptosis

The Quarterly Review of Biology
E K LeGrand

Abstract

A cell's decision whether to undergo apoptosis (cell suicide) is examined here from an adaptationist perspective, rather than a mechanistic one. External and internal inputs to the cell's protein-based information processing network are used in making this decision, with the cell factoring in its replaceability. A system in which each cell takes primary responsibility for deciding its own fate has great adaptive value because it harnesses each cell's self-knowledge rather than waiting for external cues to be recognized by other cells. Cell self-destruction can be an important selective mechanism, potentially leading to better performance of tissues over time. However, reliance on cells to monitor themselves has a flaw, since cells may incur selfish mutations that impair their apoptotic responsibility. The tight control exerted over somatic cells serves to check selfish genes involved in neoplasia and viral infections. Germ cells appear to be similarly monitored, both by other germ cells and by supporting follicular or Sertoli cells, thus maintaining the advantages offered by an apoptotic system. The adaptationist approach views the limited replacement of neurons and cardiac myocytes as likely to have net survival value. The lin...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 30, 2013·PloS One·Noelia Estévez-CalvarBeatriz Novoa
Jan 22, 2008·Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering·Noppadon Kitana, Ian P Callard
Mar 1, 2011·Evolutionary Applications·Randolph M Nesse
Apr 12, 2015·Fish & Shellfish Immunology·A RomeroA Figueras
Feb 13, 2001·Biology of Reproduction·K A YoungR J Nelson
Nov 25, 2006·Biology of Reproduction·Noppadon KitanaIan P Callard
May 16, 2000·Xenotransplantation·J LucienJ G Coles
Aug 3, 2005·The Biochemical Journal·Zhimin TongJames P Kehrer
Feb 18, 2005·Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology·G A Schuiling
Feb 15, 2002·Human Fertility : Journal of the British Fertility Society·Timothy D. Glover, Hector M. Dott
Feb 22, 2021·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part D, Genomics & Proteomics·Junhao NingChunde Wang
Jul 13, 2017·Fish & Shellfish Immunology·Chuanyan YangLinsheng Song

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.