Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila
Published on: November 27, 2016
XIAP regulates caspase activity in degenerating axons
Nicolas Unsain1, Julia M Higgins, Kristen N Parker
1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) prevents axonal degeneration by inhibiting caspases in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Maintaining XIAP levels protects axons and supports proper nervous system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Axonal degeneration mechanisms remain poorly understood.
- Caspases and their inhibitors play critical roles in cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of caspases and XIAP in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axonal degeneration.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of axonal degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of caspase activity and cleavage in DRG axons upon nerve growth factor (NGF) withdrawal.
- Utilizing gene-knockout models (CASP3(-/-) and XIAP(-/-)) and overexpression systems.
- Examining dermal innervation in XIAP(-/-) embryos.
Main Results:
- Caspase-3, -6, and -9 are present and cleaved in axons after NGF withdrawal.
- CASP3(-/-) axons are resistant to degeneration.
- XIAP deficiency accelerates axonal degeneration and increases caspase-3 activity.
- Overexpression of XIAP suppresses axonal caspase activation and degeneration.
- XIAP(-/-) embryos exhibit impaired dermal innervation.
Conclusions:
- XIAP-mediated caspase inhibition is crucial for preventing axonal degeneration.
- XIAP plays a vital role in regulating axonal integrity and nervous system development.
More Related Videos
20:16Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor
Published on: February 1, 2018
10:45Monitoring Cleaved Caspase-3 Activity and Apoptosis of Immortalized Oligodendroglial Cells using Live-cell Imaging and Cleaveable Fluorogenic-dye Substrates Following Potassium-induced Membrane Depolarization
Published on: January 13, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Caspases
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Apoptosis
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...