Apoptosis pathway in fibroblasts (None)

The apoptosis pathway in fibroblasts describes the regulated sequence of molecular events leading to programmed cell death in fibroblast cells. This process involves both the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway, regulated primarily by Bcl-2 family proteins and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, and the extrinsic pathway, which is triggered by activation of specific cell-surface death receptors such as Fas or TNF-R1. Key downstream effectors are proteases called caspases, which orchestrate the execution phase of apoptosis leading to DNA fragmentation, membrane changes, and cell clearance. Proper regulation of fibroblast apoptosis is essential for tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and the prevention of pathological states such as cancer and fibrosis. Therapeutic intervention typically targets individual pathway components—such as Bcl-2 family proteins, caspases, or death receptors—rather than the entire pathway itself[2][3][4][6].

Other names

Apoptosis signaling pathwayprogrammed cell death pathwaycell death pathway in fibroblasts

Inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, promoting activation of the intrinsic pathway; Activation or blockade of death receptors like Fas or TNF-R1, modulating the extrinsic pathway; Direct inhibition of caspase activity, preventing apoptotic execution