Apoptosis: the phenomenon and its determination

Abstract

The phenomenon of apoptosis, and a number of techniques for its identification and quantification, are reviewed. Apoptosis is a form of cell death defined by morphological and biochemical characteristics. In multicellular organisms, homeostasis is maintained through a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. The phenomenon of apoptosis is the main process maintaining this balance. Alterations in the apoptosis regulation can contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Specific therapies designed to enhance or decrease the susceptibility of individual cell types to undergo apoptosis could form the basis for treatment of these diseases.