Apoptosis and cell death channels in prostate cancer

Apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is a decisive mechanism in cell processes such as homeostasis, development, and many diseases including ca ncer. In mammals, the mechanisms that trigger and control the process of ap optosis are complex, because it has been observed that many molecules might be involved, acting in distinct ways and depending on the cellular type. T he process of apoptosis is characterized by specific biochemical and morpho logic changes. However, important specific messengers such as Ca2+ act in a ctive proliferation as well as in apoptosis. At present, there is convincin g evidence that a sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ can activate cyt otoxic mechanisms in various cells and tissues. Several ionic channels loca ted in the cytoplasmic membrane might participate in the entry of calcium i nto the cytosol during apoptosis. Among these ionic channels, the purinorec eptors P2X and the channels of capacitative entry of calcium have been desc ribed. Pro- and anti-apoptotic molecules such as bar and bcl-2, respectivel y, have also been shown to participate in the process. We have recently fou nd the activation of a Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channel of 23 pS conductance in prostatic cancer (LNCaP) exclusively in cells previously in duced to apoptosis. Our findings are discussed taking into account the diff erent ion channels that might participate in programmed cell death in prost ate cancer. (C) 2001 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.