Apoptosis regulation refers to the mechanisms that control programmed cell death, a vital process for maintaining healthy tissue and eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells. This regulation involves various proteins and signaling pathways, including caspases, which are enzymes that execute the death program, and Bcl-2 family proteins, which can either promote or inhibit apoptosis. The balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals determines whether a cell will undergo apoptosis. Factors such as growth factors, DNA damage, and cellular stress can influence these signals, ensuring that cells respond appropriately to their environment and maintain overall cellular homeostasis.