Glossary

Apo2L/TRAIL

An endogenous protein that triggers apoptosis by binding to pro-apoptotic receptors DR4 and DR5.

Apoptosome

A multiprotein complex that consists of APAF1 and cytochrome c molecules and helps to initiate apoptosis by activating procaspase 9.

Apoptotic bodies

Formed when blebs separate from the cell, taking a portion of cytoplasm with them.

BCL2 superfamily

A group of proteins characterised by the presence of BCL2 homology (BH) domains. BCL2 superfamily proteins can either promote or inhibit apoptosis.

BH3-only proteins

Members of the BCL2 protein family that initiate apoptosis in response to cell stress.

Blebbing

The formation of bulges in the plasma membrane, caused by the break up of the cell's cytoskeleton.

Caspsases

Aspartate-specific cysteine proteases.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, outside the organelles.

DISC

Death-inducing signaling complex. A multi-protein complex formed by members of the apoptosis-inducing death receptor family.

Downstream

Refers to cellular or molecular events which occur further along in the apoptotic pathway.

Extracellular matrix

The material found around cells.

FADD

Fas-associated death domain. A protein which plays a key role in transmitting the apoptotic signal mediated by death receptors.

Hypoxia

A pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.

IAPs

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins.

Ligand

A molecule that binds specifically to its receptor and activates its signaling powers.

Mutation

A change to the base pair sequence of DNA or RNA.

Myc

A protein which functions as a transcription factor that regulates transcription of specific target genes.

NOXA

A pro-apoptotic member of the BCL2 protein family.

PUMA

p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis. A pro-apoptotic member of the BCL2 protein family.

Receptors

Proteins found on the plasma membrane or within a cell that is capable of binding a signalling molecule (ligand).

SMAC/DIABLO

A mitochondrial protein.

Transduction

The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another.

Upregulation

Increased levels of protein expression.