In multicellular organisms, the control of cell number is determined by a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis, a biochemically and morphologically distinct form of programmed cell death, is one of the major mechanisms for control of cell death. During development, apoptosis serves as a prominent force in sculpting tissues, to remove cells that are produced in excess, or have developed improperly, and to eliminate cells that are no longer needed. In adults, apoptosis is used for homeostasis to remove cells that are potentially dangerous, such as viral infected cells, genetically damaged cells, or toxin-damaged cells.
Apoptosis is a tightly regulated process.
Abnormal apoptosis may be deleterious and can cause or contribute to various diseases. For example, abnormal apoptosis is associated with cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, Huntingtons disease, Alzheimers disease, ALS, and stroke. We are interested in elucidating molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways that control cell survival and cell death, with an emphasis on regulation of apoptosis in cancer and neurodegeneration. Elucidation of mechanisms that regulate apoptosis is of fundamental importance for Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology, and Neurobiology, and may ultimately contribute to the development of pharmacological interventions and clinical strategies for treatment of various diseases. Journal of Cell Biology.