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Apoptosis P53 Cancer Treatment

The body's cells are designed to function according to a certain sequence of cycles. These cycles promote cell metabolism and proliferation while monitoring for damaged or mutated cell types. Cancer conditions develop when cells lose control of their cycles. Apoptosis processes work to eliminate malfunctioning cells. P53 is a chemical pathway within the apoptosis process.

  1. Apoptosis

    • As the body ages, system processes and organs begin to breakdown and malfunction. The same can be said for aging cell bodies. Over time, free radical materials can build up inside cells and impair their ability to function normally. In some cases, DNA damage can develop which can also lead to cell malfunctions. According to the OncoBiology reference site, apoptosis is a natural immune system response that triggers a type of cell suicide or pre-programmed death. Every cell in the body is equipped to carry out apoptosis processes; however, cells unable to function properly may be unable to trigger this response.

    Cell Cycle Control

    • Cell cycle control mechanisms play a vital role in monitoring and regulating metabolism and reproductive processes, according to the Journal of Cell Science. These mechanisms are in place to prevent damaged or mutating cells from proliferating, or reproducing. In cases where malfunctioning cells are permitted to proliferate, cancer-tumor formations can develop. Apoptosis processes are designed to preserve the body's strongest group of cells while eliminating weak or damaged ones. In effect, the apoptosis control mechanism is essential to warding off diseased formations throughout the body.

    P53 Pathway

    • According to the Journal of Cell Science, p53 is the gene responsible for triggering apoptosis processes within a cell. The p53 pathway is made up of a series chemical signaling processes that address developing problems within a cell's DNA material. P53 can carry out DNA repair processes, apoptosis, and cell senescence, which is a gradual deterioration of a cell's structures. In some cases, damaged cell structures can impair p53 pathway processes and pave the way for tumor formations to develop. As a result, research studies are investigating ways of stimulating this pathway so cells are better able to respond to current cancer therapy methods.

    Treatment Resistance

    • Cancer is just one of many conditions that can develop when p53 pathways malfunction. Immunodeficiency, autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases are other conditions that can develop as well, according to the Journal of Cell Science. Traditional cancer treatments such as radiation, hormonal therapies and cytotoxic agents all rely on a cell's ability to trigger the p53 pathway. In effect, pathway malfunctions or mutations can create a resistance to treatment therapies. Understanding how these mutations work can help researchers determine how effective different treatment approaches will be.

    Pathway Mutations

    • According to the Journal of Cell Science, apoptosis can be triggered anywhere along the p53 chemical signaling pathway. Mechanisms involved include a negative regulator called MDM2 that acts as a fail-safe for cells that begin to resume their normal functioning abilities. DNA metabolism processes can also be intercepted by p53 pathways. Chemical signals can also alter the DNA transcription processes that dictate how cell processes are run. To do this, p53 pathways target the genes that correspond with whatever malfunctions are present within the cell. Further developments within this area hope to better understand which cell processes are essential to maintaining apoptosis functions.

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