Water and Ion Channels: Crucial in the Initiation and Progression of Apoptosis in Central Nervous System?
2008

Water and Ion Channels in Apoptosis of the Central Nervous System

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jessica Chen Minghui, Sepramaniam Sugunavathi, Armugam Arunmozhiarasi, Shyan Choy Meng, Manikandan Jayapal, Melendez Alirio J, Jeyaseelan Kandiah, Sang Cheung Nam

Primary Institution: National University of Singapore

Hypothesis

Are water and ion channels crucial in the initiation and progression of apoptosis in the central nervous system?

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant role of water and ion channels in the process of apoptosis, particularly in the central nervous system.

Supporting Evidence

  • Apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) is a critical event in programmed cell death.
  • Loss of water and ions during AVD is significant for the progression of apoptosis.
  • Aquaporins and ion channels are involved in the regulation of cellular volume during apoptosis.
  • Different apoptotic stimuli can modulate the expression of water and ion channel genes.
  • Understanding these mechanisms may provide therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Takeaway

This study explains how certain channels in our cells help control when cells die, which is important for keeping our brains healthy.

Methodology

The review discusses various studies involving microarray and real-time PCR analyses to explore the regulation of ion and water channel genes during apoptosis.

Limitations

The exact mechanisms of how these channels contribute to apoptosis remain unclear and require further investigation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2174/157015908784533879

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