Cell turnover

Cell turnover is a fundamental physiological process representing the balance between cell division (proliferation) and cell death (apoptosis) to maintain tissue homeostasis [1]. It is not a single molecular target, such as a receptor or enzyme, but rather a macroscopic biological outcome of complex signaling networks [2]. In healthy tissues, the rate of new cell production matches the rate of old cell loss, but this equilibrium is frequently disrupted in disease states [3]. For example, malignant tumors exhibit pathologically high cell turnover, while aging and degenerative diseases are characterized by a decline in the regenerative capacity of tissues [4]. Therapeutic interventions often aim to modulate cell turnover by targeting specific molecular drivers of the cell cycle or apoptotic machinery [5]. In clinical practice, the measurement of cell turnover is essential for assessing the efficacy and toxicity of treatments, particularly in oncology and dermatology [1, 3].

Other names

Cellular turnoverTissue renewalCell fluxCell replacement rate

Modulation of cell turnover is achieved by inhibiting DNA synthesis, disrupting mitosis, or activating programmed cell death pathways in specific cell populations.