Plasma membrane changes during programmed cell deaths

Ruptured and intact plasma membranes are classically considered as hallmarks of necrotic and apoptotic cell death, respectively. As such, apoptosis is usually considered a non-inflammatory process while necrosis triggers inflammation. Recent studies on necroptosis and pyroptosis, two types of programmed necrosis, revealed that plasma membrane rupture is mediated by MLKL channels during necroptosis but depends on non-selective gasdermin D (GSDMD) pores during pyroptosis. Importantly, the morphology of dying cells executed by MLKL channels can be distinguished from that executed by GSDMD pores. Interestingly, it was found recently that secondary necrosis of apoptotic cells, a previously believed non-regulated…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 2015CB553800, 31420103910, 31330047, B12001
• HE
  Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project

  Award: B12001
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2015CB553800