As a fundamental biological process, cell death and cell survival is essential to the normal homeostasis of the
organism. Our knowledge on this process has been tremendously expanded in the past two decades. Essentials of
Apoptosis: A Guide for Basic and Clinical Research was first published in 2003. It timely provided a comprehensive but
concise summary of the essential information of apoptosis to both new investigators to the field and seasoned
researchers seeking an integrated view of the topics. The past several years have witnessed significant new
developments in the field of apoptosis and cell death in general. The concept of various types of cell death has been
further developed. The studies in both basic and clinical disciplines have been greatly expanded. Notable progresses
have been made in extending the work into the therapeutic arena. As a result, the field has matured considerably and
developed extensive crosstalk with works in other fields. The second edition incorporates these new developments, in
addition to the basic core concepts and machinery of apoptosis. Multiple new topics are added that expand the coverage
on different types of cell death (apoptosis, necrosis, autophagic death and mitotic death), and on different death
pathways (mediated by mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, death receptors, or lysosome). Furthermore, several
integrated topics linking cell death to metabolism, redox status, transcription regulation are included and a systems
biology approach to study apoptosis is introduced. Moreover, the roles of apoptosis and cell death in the pathogenesis
of many human diseases in every major organ system are explored in details with novel therapeutic outlooks. This
edition is the result of the hard work by more than 80 leading experts from across the world.
Authoritative, comprehensive and highly instructive, the second edition of Essentials of Apoptosis should be valuable
for both novice and seasoned investigators, as an informative reference as well as a practical guide.