Cell death. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242081/)

These scientists wanted to understand how cells in our body die and why it is important. They studied different ways in which cells can die, such as through a process called apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, or ferroptosis.

Cell death is actually a normal and necessary part of our body's development and maintenance. When cells become damaged or are no longer needed, they can die and make way for new cells to take their place. Cell death also helps protect us from harmful germs by getting rid of infected cells.

The scientists looked at how these different cell death processes are controlled by signals inside the cells. They also examined what happens when these processes go wrong and become too much or too little. When cell death is not properly regulated, it can lead to diseases like cancer.

By understanding how cell death works and what goes wrong in diseases, the scientists hope to find ways to treat these conditions. They are looking for therapies that can help bring balance back to cell death so that our bodies can stay healthy.

Newton K., Strasser A., Kayagaki N., Dixit VM. Cell death. Cell. 2024 Jan 18;187(2):235-256. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.044.