Myocardial cell apoptosis pathway

The myocardial cell apoptosis pathway refers to a network of signaling cascades that mediate programmed cell death in cardiomyocytes. This process involves both intrinsic (mitochondrial-mediated) and extrinsic (death receptor-mediated) pathways, with critical roles for Bcl-2 family proteins, caspases, and cellular organelles such as mitochondria. Dysregulation of apoptosis in myocardial tissue is implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiotoxicity associated with chemotherapeutic agents. Various molecules within these pathways, such as caspases, Bcl-2 family members, and death receptors, have been investigated as potential therapeutic targets, but the pathway itself is not a single pharmacological target.

Other names

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis pathwaycardiac muscle apoptosis pathwayapoptotic signaling in cardiomyocytes

Inhibition or activation of caspases (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9) Modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins (pro- and anti-apoptotic) Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition and cytochrome c release Regulation of MAPK signaling pathways (ERK, JNK, p38) Blocking death receptor (e.g., Fas/TNF receptors) pathways Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis (for agents like MCC950)