Journal: Current Gene Therapy
Guest editor(s):Dr. Hao Chi
Co-Guest Editor(s): Gang Tian,Miguel Pereira-Silva,Guanhu Yang

Introduction

Programmed Cell Death (PCD) is recognized as a pivotal biological mechanism with far-reaching effects in the realm of cancer therapy. This complex process encompasses a variety of cell death modalities, including apoptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, each of which contributes to the intricate landscape of cancer development and treatment strategies. The exploration of PCD at the molecular level has unveiled detailed connections between these cell death pathways and their relevance to therapeutic interventions in oncology. Specifically, genetic alterations in pivotal PCD-regulating genes, such as TP53, have been identified as key factors that reshape the cancer scenario, affecting the regulation and execution of various PCD types. These insights have not only enhanced our understanding of cancer biology but also highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting PCD pathways. The modulation of these pathways offers promising opportunities for the development of novel cancer therapies, enabling personalized treatment strategies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes. By leveraging knowledge of PCD mechanisms, researchers and clinicians can forge new paths in the fight against cancer, making it a crucial area of focus in the ongoing quest to comprehend and combat this complex disease.

Keywords

Programmed Cell Death, cancer therapy, therapeutic targets, biomarker, tumor microenvironment, molecular mechanisms

Sub-topics

1.PCD Mechanisms: Apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis in cellular regulation.
2.PCD and Cancer Progression: Disrupted cell death's role in tumor growth and resistance.
3.Molecular Insights: Genetic influences on PCD pathways, impacting cancer cell survival.
4.PCD in Therapy: Targeting cell death mechanisms to enhance cancer treatment outcomes.
5.Prognostic Biomarkers: Identifying PCD-related markers for predicting cancer prognosis.
6. Bioinformatics in PCD: Utilizing computational tools to analyze PCD pathways in cancer research.
7. Challenges in PCD Targeting: Navigating the complexities of using PCD for cancer therapy.