Abstract
Execution of programmed cell death (PCD) in nonmetazoan organisms is morphologically different from apoptotic PCD in animals and lacks a number of key molecular components of apoptotic machinery, including caspases. Yet protozoan, fungal, and plant cells exhibit caspase-like proteolytic activities, which increase in a PCD-dependent manner. This poses a question whether nonmetazoan organisms contain structurally dissimilar proteases that functionally substitute for caspases. Putative ancestors of caspases, metacaspases, are candidates for this role; however, their distinct substrate specificity raises doubts. The identification of a common biological target of caspases and metacaspases and previously unknown functions unrelated to cell death of metacaspases provide new food for thought.
Original language | English |
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Article number | ARTN pe48 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Science Signaling |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 152 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 14 Dec 2010 |
Keywords
- PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH
- LIFE
- PLANT EMBRYOGENESIS
- REGULATES APOPTOSIS
- NUCLEASE
- DOUBT
- NO
- SPECIFICITY
- YEAST