Abstract
In This Issue...
Apoptosis, the major and best-studied pathway of programmed cell death, plays
an important role in embryonic development, the immune system, and protection
against mutations and cancer. As such, it has become an intriguing focus of
investigation among pharmaceutical companies seeking to treat illnesses
ranging from cancer to cirrhosis. In this report, we explain the apoptotic
process, discuss several proteins within the apoptotic pathways that may
represent potential targets for drug development, describe apoptosis
modulators and inhibitors in development, and analyze the challenges
associated with developing agents that target this pathway, especially those
associated with caspase inhibitors.
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