Developmental apoptosis in C. elegans: a complex CEDnario.
Apoptosis, an evolutionarily conserved programme of cellular self-destruction, is essential for the development and survival of most multicellular animals. It is required to ensure functional organ architecture and to maintain tissue homeostasis. During development of the simple nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, apoptosis claims over 10% of the somatic cells that are generated - these cells were healthy but unnecessary. Exciting insights into the regulation and execution of apoptosis in C. elegans have recently been made. These new findings will undoubtedly influence our perception of developmental apoptosis in more complex species, including humans.
Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Guillaume
G
Lettre
Michael O
MO
Hengartner
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D015854:Up-Regulation
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; C112486:EGL-1 protein, C elegans; D012097:Repressor Proteins