Pathways to caspase activation

Cell Biol Int. 2005 Jul;29(7):489-96. doi: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2005.04.001.

Abstract

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an active form of cell death which is essential for tissue homeostasis. Many proteins are involved in the molecular signal transduction of apoptosis. The caspase enzymes, a family of specific cysteine proteases, play a central role in cell death machinery. In this review, we mainly discuss the current understanding of several pathways to activate caspases and some key proteins related to these pathways.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
  • Caspases / chemistry
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Cytochromes c / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Granzymes
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases / metabolism
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • APAF1 protein, human
  • Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Cytochromes c
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases
  • GZMB protein, human
  • Granzymes
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Caspases