Glossary

A

Apo2L/TRAIL
An endogenous protein that triggers apoptosis by binding to pro-apoptotic receptors DR4 and DR5.
Apoptosome
A multiprotein complex that consists of Apaf-1 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.

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B

Bcl-2 superfamily
A group of proteins characterized by the presence of Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains. Bcl-2 superfamily proteins can either promote or inhibit apoptosis.
BH3-only proteins
Members of the Bcl-2 protein family that initiate apoptosis in response to cell stress.
Blebbing
The formation of bulges in the plasma membrane, caused by the breakup of the cell's cytoskeleton.

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C

Caspases
Aspartate-specific cysteine proteases.
Cytosol
The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, outside the organelles.

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D

DISC
Death-inducing signaling complex. A multiprotein complex formed by members of the apoptosis-inducing death receptor family.
Downstream
Refers to cellular or molecular events that occur further along in the apoptotic pathway.

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E

Extracellular matrix
The material found around cells.

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F

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

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H

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

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I

IAP
Inhibitor of apoptosis.

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L

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

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M

Mutation
A change to the base pair sequence of DNA or RNA.
Myc
A protein that functions as a transcription factor that regulates transcription of specific target genes.

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N

NOXA
A pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family.

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P

PUMA
p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis. A pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family.

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R

Receptors
Proteins found on the plasma membrane or within a cell that are capable of binding a signaling molecule (ligand).

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S

SMAC/DIABLO
A mitochondrial protein.

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T

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

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U

Upregulation
Increased levels of protein expression.

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