Caspases: evolutionary aspects of their functions in vertebrates

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Caspases are cysteine proteases crucial for biological processes like apoptosis and inflammation.
• The first caspase was identified in Caenorhabditis elegans as an apoptosis executioner.
• Numerous caspases have been identified across diverse animal species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the universal and divergent functions of vertebrate caspases.
• To provide insights into the physiological roles of caspases in animals.
• To explore the evolutionary diversification of caspase functions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on caspases in various animal species.
• Analysis of conserved and species-specific caspase functions.
• Examination of the role of caspases in apoptosis, inflammation, and cellular differentiation.

Main Results:

• Caspases play a conserved role in apoptosis across species.
• The number and types of caspases vary significantly between species, indicating functional diversification.
• Vertebrate caspases exhibit both universal and divergent functions.
• Emerging evidence implicates caspases in mammalian inflammation and cellular differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Caspase evolution has led to species-specific functions and diversified physiological roles.
• Vertebrate caspases are essential for fundamental biological processes and have evolved complex roles.
• Understanding caspase diversity is key to deciphering their roles in health and disease.