Cell Suicide Full size image available below Cell Suicide A cell's ability to instruct itself to die, a process called apoptosis, has been mainly scrutinized by scientists studying development. Cell pruning is essential for our transformation from fetus to baby. Recently, however, neuroscientists discovered apoptosis may be implicated in brain disease. The enormous number of people who suffer from ailments that range from Alzheimer's disease to the destruction induced by a stroke may see some relief if researchers can preserve cells by interrupting the cell death messages. Sunburned skin peels.
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It also is essential during the molding process our body experiences in development. Researchers are finding, however, that the system can turn sinister. And the brain and nervous system are at a special risk. There, following early development, the cell death signal is used with restraint because mature brain cells that are killed can't grow back like cells can in the body. Scientists believe the brain destruction seen in those with neurological ailments such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease or when the brain is starved of blood in a stroke may be due in part to apoptosis gone awry.