Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that regulates the number of cells in the body to prevent any imbalance and to remove sick or old cells. When a new cell is produced, an old cell must be removed, usually by apoptosis. In cancer, however, cells divide and grow, and the process of apoptosis is impaired, resulting in large numbers of dysfunctional cancer cells which can result in a tumor.
At Sanford Burnham Prebys, researchers like Kristiina Vuori, MD, PhD, and Darren “Ben” Finlay, PhD, seek to use apoptosis as a therapeutic tool by reactivating it in cancer cells.
Cancer cells are often more vulnerable to cell death due to their dysregulated genetics. They become dependent on certain pathways while many normal cells have “back-up” system they can use to survive. Vuori, Finlay and colleagues search for drugs that can target these unique cancer cell vulnerabilities by testing many molecules and compounds, sometimes in combination, on patient cancer cells (personalized medicine) while also making sure the effects on healthy cells are minimized.
About the art: Odra Noel is a medical doctor and PhD in basic science, with additional degrees in aesthetics and music. Her silk paintings focus primarily on human biology, often informed by microscopy. Wellcome Collection.