Understanding Apoptosis: A guide for patients and families

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a fundamental biological process vital for health. This website provides clear, accessible information for patients with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other apoptosis related conditions and their families to understand how apoptosis affects the body.

Explore the world of apoptosis

Dive into detailed explanations of apoptosis and its profound impact on various health conditions.

What is apoptosis?

Gain a foundational understanding of what apoptosis is, how it works, and why it's crucial for our health, and how it differs from other forms of cell death.

Hyper-Apoptosis

Discover the intricate relationship between apoptosis dysregulation and the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune conditions, and ischemia related injuries.

Hypo-Apoptosis

Explore how dysfunction of apoptosis plays a critical role in cancer and autoimmune disease development and progression.

This website is designed to educate patients and families on the process of apoptosis and how it relates to various medical conditions they may have. This is not a diagnostic tool, if you have concerns about your health please reach out to your primary care physician or your local hospital.

References

National Human Genome Research Institute. (2022). Apoptosis. In National Human Genome Research Institute. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/apoptosis

Morana O, Wood W, Gregory CD. The Apoptosis Paradox in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 25;23(3):1328. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031328. PMID: 35163253; PMCID: PMC8836235.

Elmore S. Apoptosis: a review of programmed cell death. Toxicol Pathol. 2007 Jun;35(4):495-516. doi: 10.1080/01926230701320337. PMID: 17562483; PMCID: PMC2117903.

Sankari SL, Babu NA, Rajesh E, Kasthuri M. Apoptosis in immune-mediated diseases. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2015 Apr;7(Suppl 1):S200-2. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.155902. PMID: 26015710; PMCID: PMC4439670.

Basaiyye SS, Naoghare PK, Kanojiya S, Bafana A, Arrigo P, Krishnamurthi K, Sivanesan S. Molecular mechanism of apoptosis induction in Jurkat E6-1 cells by Tribulus terrestris alkaloids extract. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017 Dec 14;8(3):410-419. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.08.014. PMID: 29992112; PMCID: PMC6035304.

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death). In Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/apoptosis

Fleisher, T.A. The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome: an experiment of nature involving lymphocyte apoptosis. Immunol Res 40, 87–92 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-007-8001-1

What are the major steps of apoptosis? | AAT Bioquest. (2023). In Aatbio.com. https://www.aatbio.com/resources/faq-frequently-asked-questions/what-are-the-major-steps-of-apoptosis

BOC Sciences. (2026). Bocsci.Com. https://www.bocsci.com/resources/application-of-nucleotides-in-apoptosis.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqbyLKQEOInmWkhy4gHHnid0KAGnMtxImyk7g32_WEi-ypOEBGG

Apoptosis Unveiled: Your Complete Guide to Intrinsic & Extrinsic Pathways. (2025). Assay Genie. https://www.assaygenie.com/blog/apoptosis-unveiled-your-complete-guide-to-intrinsic-extrinsic-pathways/?srsltid=AfmBOoqqq-03Xcxbt2mwA4f-RaTwrBgFIn9CB2ofj1CpVkd4o_hHPwwF

Broughton, B. R. S., Reutens, D. C., & Sobey, C. G. (2009). Apoptotic Mechanisms After Cerebral Ischemia. Stroke, 40(5). https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.108.531632