Mechanisms of caspase activation and inhibition during apoptosis

Mol Cell. 2002 Mar;9(3):459-70. doi: 10.1016/s1097-2765(02)00482-3.

Abstract

Caspases are central components of the machinery responsible for apoptosis. Recent structural and biochemical studies on procaspases, IAPs, Smac/DIABLO, and apoptosome have revealed a conserved mechanism of caspase activation and inhibition. This article reviews these latest advances and presents our current understanding of caspase regulation during apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Binding Sites
  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Caspases / chemistry*
  • Caspases / classification
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary*
  • Proteins*

Substances

  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • Protein Precursors
  • Proteins
  • Caspases