Related Experiment Videos
Caspase-dependent cleavage of nucleic acids
W G Degen1, G J Pruijn, J M Raats
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, NL-6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Cell Death and Differentiation
|July 13, 2000
Summary
Modified nucleic acids in apoptotic cells may trigger autoimmune diseases by escaping immune tolerance. This review details specific nucleic acid cleavages during apoptosis, potentially driving autoantibody production.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases often involve autoantibodies targeting nuclear nucleic acid-protein complexes.
- Mechanisms of immune tolerance escape in autoimmunity are poorly understood.
- Modified self-proteins during apoptosis are implicated in autoimmunity development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the specific cleavages of key nucleic acids during apoptosis.
- To explore the role of modified nucleic acids in the development of autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on apoptosis and nucleic acid modifications.
- Analysis of specific nucleic acid cleavages: chromosomal DNA, ribosomal RNA, U1 snRNA, and Y RNA.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis involves posttranslational modification of proteins and modification of nucleic acids.
- Specific cleavages of chromosomal DNA, ribosomal RNA, U1 snRNA, and Y RNA occur in apoptotic cells.
Conclusions:
- Modified nucleic acids generated during apoptosis may contribute to the breakdown of immunological tolerance.
- Recognition of these modified nucleic acids could promote autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases.