Apoptosis-Induced Compensatory Proliferation in Cancer

ABSTRACT

Apoptosis is a biological process that allows adequate cellular turnover and the elimination of damaged or infected cells. However, there are compensatory molecular mechanisms that promote cell proliferation after increased apoptotic events. These events are commonly mediated by mitogenic proteins, released by apoptotic cells, and received by neighboring cells, that trigger mechanisms similar to cell repair after an injury or traumatic event. This effect is known as “apoptosis-induced proliferation”. This chapter addresses the process of apoptosis-induced proliferation, the regulatory mechanisms, and its importance in cancer development, progression, and therapy development.