Dynamic regulation of cell death signaling

Abstract

There are many ways for a cell to die, but each cell only dies once, causing an inherent variability that results from common triggers activating interconnected signaling networks that diverge at key decision points during cell death initiation, progression, and execution. Despite the death of each cell being a unique biomolecular event, shared features allow us to categorize the process depending on the pathways activated and their outcomes. Here we outline core concepts about the dynamic interplay between cell death pathways, focusing on apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. We highlight unresolved decision points, including the dynamics of pore formation and the points of no return. We also discuss conceptual commonalities across systems and outline key recent developments that refine our understanding of the dynamic regulation of cell death.