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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 break up 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 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.

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                      E

                      Extracellular matrix

                      The material found around cells.

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                        F

                        FADD

                        Fas-associated death domain. A protein which 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 which 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 is capable of binding a signalling 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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