positive regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway. [GOC:mtg_apoptosis]

Positive regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway is a biological process that involves the activation of cell death programs through the interaction of extracellular ligands with cell surface receptors. This pathway is primarily triggered by the binding of death ligands, such as TNFα, TRAIL, or FasL, to their respective death receptors on the cell surface. These death receptors belong to the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily and possess a cytoplasmic death domain (DD).

Upon ligand binding, death receptors trimerize, bringing their DDs together and initiating the formation of a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). The DISC recruits adaptor proteins, such as FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain), which also contain a DD. FADD further recruits the initiator caspase-8 (or caspase-10 in some cells) through homotypic DD interactions.

Caspase-8 is a key enzyme in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Once activated within the DISC, caspase-8 undergoes autocatalytic processing and cleaves downstream effector caspases, such as caspase-3 and caspase-7. These effector caspases then activate a cascade of proteolytic events that dismantle the cell, leading to its demise.

The extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway is tightly regulated to prevent inappropriate cell death. Several mechanisms are in place to control the activation of this pathway, including the expression levels of death receptors and their ligands, the presence of inhibitors that block DISC formation, and the activity of anti-apoptotic proteins that block caspase activation.

This pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including immune system development, tissue homeostasis, and the elimination of damaged or infected cells. Dysregulation of the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.'
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Proteins (9)

Compounds (294)