Mitochondrial permeability transition in protozoan parasites: what we learned from Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract

Regulated cell death (RCD) involves a genetically encoded molecular machinery, which can be altered by means of pharmacologic and/or genetics interventions targeting the key components of such machinery. RCD often occurs in a delayed manner and is initiated in the context of adaptive responses that unsuccessfully attempt to restore cellular homeostasis. It is important to mention that the term RCD includes both physiological instances of death, referred to as ‘programmed cell death’, but also death processes that occur in pathological contexts. Our comprehension of cell death subroutines has progressed significantly, as the main molecular events underlying these mechanisms have been elucidated.