Apoptosis and Pharmacological Therapies for Targeting Thereof for Cancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved sequential process of cell death to maintain a homeostatic balance between cell formation and cell death. It is a vital process for normal eukaryotic development as it contributes to the renewal of cells and tissues. Further, it plays a crucial role in the elimination of unnecessary cells through phagocytosis and prevents undesirable immune responses. Apoptosis is regulated by a complex signaling mechanism, which is driven by interactions among several protein families such as caspases, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family proteins, and several other proteases such as perforins and granzyme. The signaling pathway consists of both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival members, which stabilize the selection of cellular survival or death. However, any aberration in this pathway can lead to abnormal cell proliferation, ultimately leading to the development of cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc. This review aims to elaborate on apoptotic signaling pathways and mechanisms, interacting members involved in signaling, and how apoptosis is associated with carcinogenesis, along with insights into targeting apoptosis for disease resolution.

Novel Triterpenic Acid—Benzotriazole Esters Act as Pro-Apoptotic Antimelanoma Agents

“…Numerous reports, including those above, have revealed that the main molecular mechanism involved in the anticancer activity of triterpenic acids and their derivatives consists of apoptosis induction through the regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. Apoptosis is a biological process of extensive importance, which consists of the orchestrated death of damaged cells followed by phagocytosis; aberrant apoptosis may lead to abnormal cell proliferation and severe diseases, such as cancer, and also stands as a reason for the development of anticancer drugs resistance [ 28 ]. The morphological assessment of cells was conducted to identify the underlying antiproliferative mechanism; changes in cell morphology in the form of floating round cells, reduced confluence, and loss of cellular adherence are clear indicators of cytotoxicity ( Figure 4 ).…”

Caffeic Acid Induces Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway in MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells Through Bid Truncation and Cytochrome c Release

“…(36) Therefore, novel therapeutic agents that target both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are needed to be explored. (37) Since caffeic acid may alter both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in MG-63 cells, this compound can be used as a potential candidate of therapeutic agent for treating osteosarcoma.…”

Prostate Cancer Review: Genetics, Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Alternative Approaches

“…Some clinical trial studies investigating prostate cancer therapy using gene therapy include various transgenes such as p53 and herpes simplex tk [ 165 ]. Recently used prostate cancer gene therapy procedures involve rectifying abnormal gene expression, utilizing programmed cell death mechanisms and biological pathways, specifically targeting important cell functions, initiating mutant or cell lytic suicide genes, strengthening the immune system anticancer response, and connecting treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy [ 166 ]. Animal studies in prostate cancer gene therapy have made use of intraprostatic administration of gene therapy delivery systems.…”