"Apoptosis (programmed cell death) plays a critical role in development, normal physiology, and many diseases, including cancer. Apoptosis researchers form a distinct research community but investigators in many areas of cell, developmental, and molecular biology, as well as immunology and neurobiology, also study the process. This short book describes our detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in apoptotic signaling and execution, covering signal transducers, caspases, BCL-2family proteins, mitochondrial molecules, and IAPs. It also critically discusses key questions that remain in the field, for example, whether caspases are always necessary, the distinction between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, and the role of mitochondria, that are often glossed over or ignored elsewhere."--Publisher description.

A matter of life and death -- Caspases and their substrates -- Caspase activation and inhibition -- The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, part I : MOMP and beyond -- The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, part II : the BCL-2 protein family -- The death receptor pathway of apoptosis -- Other caspase activation platforms -- Nonapoptotic cell death pathways -- The burial : clearance and consequences -- Cell death in development -- Cell death and cancer -- The future of death.