Understanding Cell Death in Trypanosomatids
Author Information
Author(s): Smirlis Despina, Duszenko Michael, Ruiz Antonio Jiménez, Scoulica Effie, Bastien Patrick, Fasel Nicolas, Soteriadou Ketty
Primary Institution: Hellenic Pasteur Institute
Hypothesis
Trypanosomatids possess mechanisms for programmed cell death similar to those in multicellular organisms.
Conclusion
Trypanosomatids have a basic machinery for apoptosis, despite lacking key metazoan apoptotic molecules.
Supporting Evidence
- Trypanosomatids show hallmarks of apoptosis despite lacking caspase genes.
- Apoptosis in these organisms can be triggered by various stimuli including heat shock and oxidative stress.
- Functional homologues of Bcl-2 family members may exist in trypanosomatids.
Takeaway
Some tiny organisms called trypanosomatids can die in a controlled way, just like bigger animals do, even though they don't have all the same parts.
Methodology
This review summarizes the mechanisms of apoptosis in trypanosomatids based on existing literature.
Limitations
The review does not cover all aspects of autophagic cell death in trypanosomatids.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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