DMMC Course: MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY IN ACTION

1110-1230 Monday 24 January 2005. Conway Institute Lecture Theatre, UCD

Apoptosis Dr William Watson, UCD

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is the controlled mechanism by which all cells die. Its dysfunction is associated with the development of an increasing list of diseases from Cancer to Infertility. This lecture will examine and update the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the induction of apoptosis from the well characteristed receptor and mitochondrial pathways to the less well known endoplasmic reticulum pathways for apoptosis. The overview will be followed by a review of the current research interests of Dr Watson in the area of prostate cancer. Specifically, understanding the mechanisms associated with the development of androgen independent prostate cancer and the role of apoptotic resistance. This will also include novel approaches for the manipulation of apoptotic resistance in prostate cancer.