Apoptosis signal transduction

KONG A N, YU R, CHEN c, MANDLEKAR s and PRIMIANO T (2000) Signal transduction events elicited by natural products role of M APK and caspase pathways in homeostatic response and induction of apoptosis . Arch Pharm Res, 23 1-16. 

Phytosterols have been demonstrated as being anti-cancer components in the diet (Awad and Fink 2000). Scientific studies indicate that phytosterols may offer profection against colon, breast and prostate cancers (Vanderhaeghe and Bouic, 2000). The possible mechanisms, as reported by these authors, include the effect of phytosterols on membrane structure and function and on the signal transduction pathways that regulate tumor growth and apoptosis. The rice bran derived phytosterol-cycloartenol-ferulic acid ester on the central nervous system has been studied by Hiraga et al. (1993). 

Herman-Antosiewicz A and Singh S V (2004), Signal transduction pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in cancer cells by Allium vegetable-derived organosulfur compounds a review , Mutation Res, 555, 121-131. 

Bredesen, D.E. Apoptosis overview and signal transduction pathways. /. Neurotrauma. 17 801-810, 2000. 

When upstream signaling transduction mechanisms contributing to DON-medi-ated apoptosis were investigated in cloned macrophages, specific inhibition of PKR and Hck additively suppressed DON-induced caspase-3 activity and apoptosis as well as p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylation.59 Inhibition of PKR and Hck also inhibits DON-induced binding and enzyme activity of p53. 

Families of RING finger proteins play important roles in cell regulation, signal transduction and apoptosis. Some of the more prominent families are the Siahs, lAPs, TRAFs, and Cbls (Figure 4.4). Short summaries of these are presented below. 

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