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Life and death are topics that no one takes lightly. In the cell, death by apoptosis is just as
fundamental as proliferation for the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis. Too much or
too little apoptosis can lead to developmental abnormality, degenerative diseases, or cancers.
Although apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), has been recognized for more than 100
years, its significance and its molecular mechanisms were not revealed until recently.
We have witnessed rapid progress in apoptosis research in the last decade. Apoptosis can
now be defined not only by morphology, but also by molecular and biochemical mechanisms.
As a result, there has been an information explosion in the field. On one hand, this has dramatically
expanded our understanding of the role of apoptosis in both biology and medicine; on the
other hand, it has made the study of apoptosis quite complicated, and sometimes confusing.
One often wonders whether findings from other laboratories can be generalized or whether the
methods used can be made applicable to other systems.
Studies of apoptosis are unusual in that the common focus on a basic process that is driven
by specific sets of biochemical machinery is studied in an array of very diverse research areas.
Investigators from different fields have documented their views of apoptosis in numerous
review articles. These reviews, published in various scientific journals, are aimed at either
summarizing the latest findings or providing brief introductions to apoptosis. However, essential
information about apoptosis, such as its mechanisms and pathophysiological roles, has yet
to be presented in a systematic and concise way. This has posed a great hurdle to many
investigators who want to enter this field or to apply the knowledge to their own research, and
are not sure where and how to begin.
Essentials of Apoptosis: A Guide for Basic and Clinical Research serves as a starting point
for those investigators who are relatively new to apoptosis research. Therefore, instead of
describing detailed findings in one specific field, we present the concepts, the molecular
architecture (the molecules and the pathways), and the pathophysiological significance of
apoptosis. Controversial results are presented only if they are related to the essential process.
In addition, standard biochemical and cellular approaches to apoptosis research are described
as a guideline for bench work. Essentials of Apoptosis: A Guide for Basic and Clinical
Research is intended to provide readers with the basics of apoptosis in order to stimulate their
interests and to prepare them for the commencement of apoptosis-related research in their
chosen areas. We hope that Essentials of Apoptosis: A Guide for Basic and Clinical Research
will prove useful reading for all those interested in apoptosis research. |