Cell Death and Survival Pathways

The regulation of cell death and survival pathways is crucial in cancer, as these pathways determine whether a cell survives or undergoes apoptosis (programmed cell death). In normal cells, these pathways are tightly controlled to maintain homeostasis. However, cancer cells often acquire mutations that allow them to evade apoptosis, enabling them to survive despite genetic damage and stress. Key signaling pathways involved in regulating cell death and survival, such as the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and p53 pathways, are often altered in cancer. By understanding how these pathways function in cancer cells, researchers aim to identify potential targets for therapies that can restore normal cell death processes and selectively kill cancer cells, thereby improving treatment efficacy.