Apoptotic and survival signaling mediated through death receptor members during metamorphosis in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis

► We introduce death receptor (DR) signaling in mammalian cells. ► We describe recent findings of DR signaling in Xenopus laevis. ► TNF-α attenuates thyroid hormone (T3)-induced apoptosis. ► TRAIL enhances RBC transition during Xenopus metamorphosis. ► We discuss relationships between T3-induced metamorphosis and DR signaling.