Signaling and function of death receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily

Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a genetically based mechanism that has evolved to eliminate superfluous cells. Upon activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, an extracellular apoptotic signal is transmitted to the cytosol via transmembrane death receptors (DRs) of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The apoptotic signal emanating from the DRs initiates one of the two cascades that activate multiple caspases, which eventually dismantle the cell from the inside. However, despite their name, most DRs are also engaged in non-apoptotic signaling pathways, with recent research revealing their important role in a number of biological processes, including development and inflammation