Science and Education Publishing Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment 2374-2003 4 4 2016 9 5 Apoptosis: Insights into Pathways and Role of p53, Bcl-2 and Sphingosine Kinases 69 72 EN Ahmed M. Kabel Pharmacology department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt Almokhtar A. Adwas Abeer A. Elkhoely Mohamed Nabih Abdel-Rahman Amany A. Eissa JCRT2016443 10.12691/jcrt-4-4-3 2016 4 6 2016 7 15 2016 9 3 Apoptosis or programmed cell death is characterized by certain morphological and biochemical characteristics. It is a vital process for normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Disturbances of apoptosis play a key role in many diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. The field of apoptosis research has been moving forward at a rapid rate. Although many of the key proteins that play a role in apoptosis have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of action of these proteins had not been fully elucidated. The aim of this mini-review is to provide a general overview on the process of apoptosis including pathways, regulation, the role of apoptosis in health and disease as well as the role of p53, Bcl-2 and sphingosine kinase-1 in apoptosis.