Apoptosis: the Molecular Biology of Programmed Cell Death 

Apoptosis is a regulated form of cell demise that can be induced or blocked by groups of specific stimuli. It is thought critical to maintenance of homeostasis and is implicated in lowering susceptibility to tumor growth. Conversely, oversensitivity to apoptotic triggers can cause cells to be lost inappropriately from tissues, as in neurodegenerative diseases. This book examines molecular pathways regulating apoptosis, progressing from the nematode worm through Drosaphila to more complex pathways evident in mammalian cells. Differences in cell death pathway within specific tissues are addressed, as are different genes that may act to regulate progressive steps.