Apoptosis is programmed, “tidy” cell death carried out on an internal command. Unlike traumatic death (necrosis), the cell breaks down without inflammation, and its remnants are cleared by the immune system.
This is a normal and vital process: it is how the body gets rid of surplus, damaged or potentially dangerous cells. Disruptions of apoptosis underlie both cancer (cells “refuse” to die) and neurodegeneration (too many cells die). It is closely linked to mitochondria and autophagy.
Why the body “kills” its own cells
Apoptosis is a quality-control tool. With it the body: removes cells with dangerous mutations (cancer prevention), clears surplus cells during development (for example, the “webbing” between an embryo's fingers), renews tissues and eliminates virus-infected cells.
A key role in triggering apoptosis is played by the mitochondria: on receiving a signal of irreversible damage, they launch a cascade of enzymes that dismantle the cell.
Apoptosis, cancer and aging
Here balance matters. Too little apoptosis is dangerous: damaged cells survive and can give rise to a tumor. Too much is also harmful: excessive cell death contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and tissue loss in aging.
So “more apoptosis” does not mean “better.” Health is proper regulation: so that exactly the cells that should die do. This regulation is indirectly influenced by overall lifestyle through the level of damage and inflammation.
Assess your biological age
These mechanisms shape how you age — assess your biological age:
Frequently asked questions
How does apoptosis differ from necrosis?
Apoptosis is an orderly, programmed cell death without inflammation: the cell breaks down neatly and its parts are cleared by the immune system. Necrosis is traumatic, “messy” death from injury, accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding tissue.
Is apoptosis a bad thing?
No, it is a necessary process. It removes damaged and dangerous cells and renews tissues. Problems arise when the balance is disrupted: too little apoptosis promotes cancer, while too much causes the loss of needed cells in neurodegeneration.
Can apoptosis be influenced?
Not directly and selectively — that is done only by special drugs, for example in oncology. But overall lifestyle affects the level of cell damage and inflammation, and therefore indirectly how often cells have to “switch on” apoptosis.
Related terms
Sources
- Apoptosis and aging / cell death (review). NCBI/PMC
- López-Otín C. et al. Hallmarks of Aging. NCBI/PMC
- National Institute on Aging (NIA) — Biology of Aging