title: Disassembly of the Dying: Mechanisms and Functions.
abstract: The disassembly of an apoptotic cell into subcellular fragments, termed apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs), is a hallmark of apoptosis. Although the generation of ApoBDs is generally understood as being stochastic, it is becoming increasingly clear that ApoBD formation is a highly regulated process involving distinct morphological steps and molecular factors. Functionally, ApoBDs could facilitate the efficient clearance of apoptotic material by surrounding phagocytes as well as mediate the transfer of biomolecules including microRNAs and proteins between cells to aid in intercellular communications. Therefore, the formation of ApoBDs is an important process downstream from apoptotic cell death. We discuss here the mechanisms and functions of apoptotic cell disassembly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
authors.forename: Georgia K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Atkin-Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia. Electronic address: i.poon@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ivan K H
authors.initials: IKH
authors.lastname: Poon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002450:Cell Communication; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
keywords: apoptosis; apoptotic bodies; cell clearance