Programmed necrosis and tissue regeneration

Programmed necrosis or necroptosis plays an important role in cell physiology. Disturbances in necroptotic process are associated with excessive cell death, the development of a number of pathological conditions, including inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulated evidences suggest the involvement of necroptosis in the induction of stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. The necrotic death can be triggered through the family of receptors of tumor necrosis factor, TRAILR1/2, FAS, as well as endosomal Toll-like and NOD-like receptors. An important role in the regulation of necroptosis belongs to proteins RIPK1 and RIPK3, which also might be essential for proliferation of stem cells and the regeneration process. Recent study has shown that necroptosis can lead to rapid activation of progenitor cells and regeneration of the hepatic tissues, as well as a necrotic-induced tissue regeneration and differentiation of c-kit+ cells in a model of myocardial infarction. Thus, the investigation of interplay between necroptosis and regeneration of damaged tissues will allow us to understand the fundamental aspects of programmed cell death and cell division.