[HTML][HTML] Old, new and emerging functions of caspases

S Shalini, L Dorstyn, S Dawar, S Kumar - Cell Death & Differentiation, 2015 - nature.com
S Shalini, L Dorstyn, S Dawar, S Kumar
Cell Death & Differentiation, 2015nature.com
Caspases are proteases with a well-defined role in apoptosis. However, increasing
evidence indicates multiple functions of caspases outside apoptosis. Caspase-1 and
caspase-11 have roles in inflammation and mediating inflammatory cell death by pyroptosis.
Similarly, caspase-8 has dual role in cell death, mediating both receptor-mediated apoptosis
and in its absence, necroptosis. Caspase-8 also functions in maintenance and homeostasis
of the adult T-cell population. Caspase-3 has important roles in tissue differentiation …
Abstract
Caspases are proteases with a well-defined role in apoptosis. However, increasing evidence indicates multiple functions of caspases outside apoptosis. Caspase-1 and caspase-11 have roles in inflammation and mediating inflammatory cell death by pyroptosis. Similarly, caspase-8 has dual role in cell death, mediating both receptor-mediated apoptosis and in its absence, necroptosis. Caspase-8 also functions in maintenance and homeostasis of the adult T-cell population. Caspase-3 has important roles in tissue differentiation, regeneration and neural development in ways that are distinct and do not involve any apoptotic activity. Several other caspases have demonstrated anti-tumor roles. Notable among them are caspase-2,-8 and-14. However, increased caspase-2 and-8 expression in certain types of tumor has also been linked to promoting tumorigenesis. Increased levels of caspase-3 in tumor cells causes apoptosis and secretion of paracrine factors that promotes compensatory proliferation in surrounding normal tissues, tumor cell repopulation and presents a barrier for effective therapeutic strategies. Besides this caspase-2 has emerged as a unique caspase with potential roles in maintaining genomic stability, metabolism, autophagy and aging. The present review focuses on some of these less studied and emerging functions of mammalian caspases.
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