Gaining Control of the Gene Responsible for Apoptosis

Controlling genes involved in apoptosis Controlling genes involved in apoptosis controls aging. Every day we are looking for more evidence to show the genetic association of various factors in humans. We are just beginning to draw on our own inheritance surface. A breakthrough discovery has just been announced. In February 2001, two teams mapping the human genome announced their results - a total of 3 billion base pair sequences.

Cytochrome C, an indicator of apoptosis, is attached to apoptotic cells and, at the same time, there are genes involved in apoptosis, forming immunoprecipitates. Blots were developed under chemiluminescence by the addition of anti-cytochrome C or anti-Bcl-XL (involved in detection by apoptosis and specific antibiotics) which determines the apoptosis of cells involved in many diseases. In apoptotic cells, genomic DNA is cut into multimers, each containing about 180 to 200 bps. The cleaved DNA can be observed under gel electrophoresis with ladders or specific labels that determine whether the cells underwent apoptosis. If DNA fragments are to be detected at the single cell level, the ends of the DNA fragments are labeled with a selective probe and then subjected to colorimetric detection and fluorescence detection (Pandey et al., 1994).

The product of this gene, which is at least partly involved in the regulation of apoptotic processes (programmed cell death) in these cell types, plays an important role in the management of cell populations in developmental lesions. With this awareness, Dr. Austin was forced to launch a new research program to examine the role of TDAG 51 in apoptotic cell death associated with cardiovascular disease. We can not underestimate the importance of this work. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most important causes of death in developed countries, accounting for about a quarter of all deaths in the UK and the United States. Understanding the fundamental factors and coexisting diseases that cause these different but related disorders is the foundation for developing effective treatments

Scientists are trying to figure out how to regulate apoptosis so that you can control which cells survive and which cells die. For example, anti-cancer agents and radiation act by causing apoptosis in diseased cells. Many diseases and disorders are associated with cell survival and death - an increase in apoptosis is characteristic of AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a decrease in apoptosis may indicate lupus or cancer. Understanding how to regulate apoptosis may be the first step in treating these diseases