Entosis: the core mechanism and crosstalk with other cell death programs

Abstract

Cell death pathways play critical roles in organism development and homeostasis as well as in the pathogenesis of various diseases. While studies over the last decade have elucidated numerous different forms of cell death that can eliminate cells in various contexts, how certain mechanisms impact physiology is still not well understood. Moreover, recent studies have shown that multiple forms cell death can occur in a cell population, with different forms of death eliminating individual cells. Here, we aim to describe the known molecular mechanisms of entosis, a non-apoptotic cell engulfment process, and discuss signaling mechanisms that control its induction as well as its possible crosstalk with other cell death mechanisms.

Entosis implicates a new role for P53 in microcephaly pathogenesis, beyond apoptosis

“…Entosis is a process in which a living cell engulfs a live neighboring cell. [62][63][64] First discovered in cancer cells, entosis is a form of cellular competition whereby less viable cells can be absorbed and degraded by more viable neighbors (Figure 3). [65,66] Entosis differs from apoptosis in that engulfment does not always result in cell death, and when death occurs it is typically through lysosomal activity.…”