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Caspases: potential targets for regulating cell death

A Philchenkov1

  • 1Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis Laboratory, R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology, and Radiobiology, Vasilkovskaya Str. 45, 03022 Kiev, Ukraine. apoclub@mail.ru

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|December 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Apoptosis is a regulated cell death process mediated by caspases. This review explores caspase activation, inhibition, and therapeutic potential using caspase inhibitors and activators for clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cell death is a fundamental process in multicellular organisms.
  • Apoptosis is a regulated, energy-dependent form of physiological cell death.
  • Caspases are key enzymes mediating the execution of apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular mechanisms of caspase activation and inhibition.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting caspases.
  • To highlight caspase-directed compounds for clinical use.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on apoptosis and caspases.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of caspase cascade activation.
  • Examination of inhibitory components regulating caspase activity.

Main Results:

  • Caspase activation is a central, conserved pathway in apoptosis.
  • Specific caspase inhibitors can block apoptosis progression.
  • Caspase activators can selectively induce cell death.

Conclusions:

  • Caspases represent a promising therapeutic target for various diseases.
  • Caspase inhibitors and activators show potential for clinical application.
  • These agents may be used alone or in combination with existing therapies.

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