A trigger model of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor signaling
2011
Model of Apoptosis Triggered by TNF Signaling
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Gu Chang, Zhang Junjie, Chen Yingyu, Lei Jinzhi
Primary Institution: Peking University
Hypothesis
Bistability may not be a necessary condition for the induction of apoptosis by TNF signaling.
Conclusion
A sharp increase in caspase-3 activity might be sufficient to trigger the induction of an irreversible death program.
Supporting Evidence
- The model shows that rapid degradation of caspases is crucial for the response to apoptosis stimuli.
- Caspase-3 activity exhibits a pulse increase in response to apoptosis stimuli.
- The study suggests that a pulse increase in caspase-3 activity is sufficient to trigger irreversible apoptosis.
Takeaway
This study shows that cells can die when a certain level of a signal is reached, without needing a stable state first.
Methodology
A mathematical model was developed to study apoptosis induced by TNF signaling, focusing on the activation of caspases.
Limitations
The model does not encompass all reactions involved in apoptosis signaling pathways.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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