Apoptosis and oxidative stress signaling pathways

This term refers to a broad set of biological pathways rather than a single, well-defined molecular target. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a fundamental process for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is regulated by various proteins including the caspase family of proteases and the Bcl-2 family of proteins (Source: NIH). Oxidative stress involves the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, often triggering apoptotic signaling as a downstream consequence (Source: PubMed). In drug discovery, this classification is frequently used for compounds that show multi-target activity or for which the specific primary receptor has not been identified (Source: UniProt). Because it encompasses a wide array of distinct enzymes, receptors, and transcription factors, it is considered an imprecise and non-canonical target designation for therapeutic development. Drugs like Venetoclax target specific apoptotic proteins, whereas antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine address oxidative stress broadly (Source: PubChem). Consequently, therapeutic strategies often focus on specific nodes within these pathways rather than the entire system to ensure safety and efficacy (Source: PubMed).

Other names

Cell death and redox signalingApoptotic and antioxidant pathwaysProgrammed cell death and reactive oxygen species signaling

Modulation of programmed cell death pathways and cellular redox balance through the induction or inhibition of reactive oxygen species and apoptotic signaling molecules.