The caspase-8 modulator c-FLIP

Takao Kataoka1

  • 1Center for Biological Resources and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Japan. tkataoka@bio.tech.ac.jp

Insights

Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) regulates apoptosis and cell survival. This review highlights c-FLIP

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Death receptors initiate apoptosis via procaspase-8 activation.
  • Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) inhibits this process.
  • c-FLIP is crucial for normal cell function and cancer cell survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on c-FLIP's physiological functions.
  • To explore the intracellular regulation of c-FLIP.
  • To discuss c-FLIP's role in disease and therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on c-FLIP.
  • Analysis of c-FLIP's role in apoptosis pathways.
  • Examination of c-FLIP's involvement in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Main Results:

  • c-FLIP modulates caspase-8 activation, impacting cell death.
  • c-FLIP plays roles beyond apoptosis, including cell proliferation.
  • Dysregulated c-FLIP is linked to cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions:

  • c-FLIP is a key regulator of cell fate.
  • Understanding c-FLIP's functions is vital for disease treatment.
  • c-FLIP represents a potential therapeutic target.

Related Concept Videos

Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters01:19

Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters

Enzymes like flippase, floppase, and scramblase transfer phospholipids from one layer to another in the membrane, thereby affecting membrane asymmetry.
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
Anaphase Promoting Complex00:50

Anaphase Promoting Complex

The stepwise destruction of specific proteins is necessary for the progression and completion of the cell cycle. Such proteins are ubiquitinated by ubiquitin ligases and then subsequently destroyed by the proteasome. The SCF (Skp1/Cullin/F-box) and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) are two important ubiquitin ligases involved in cell cycle progression. While SCF is active throughout the cell cycle, APC gets activated during metaphase to anaphase transition. Cdc20 or Cdh1 binds to APC and...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.