Abstract

Apoptosis, the cells intrinsic death program, plays an important role in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. Also, killing of cancer cells by various cytotoxic approaches such as anticancer drugs, γ-irradiation, suicide genes or immunotherapy, is predominantly mediated through induction of apoptosis in target cells. Understanding the molecular events that regulate apoptosis and how tumor cells evade apoptotic deletion have provided a paradigm to link cancer genetics and response to cancer therapy. Thus, insights into the mechanisms regulating drug-induced apoptosis provide rational targets for novel therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Apoptosis, cancer, IAP, Bcl-2