Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila
13:21

In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila

Published on: November 27, 2016

9.5K

Novel roles of apoptotic caspases in tumor repopulation, epigenetic reprogramming, carcinogenesis, and beyond

Ruya Zhao1, Rayan Kaakati1, Andrew K Lee1,2

  • 1Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|June 3, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Apoptotic caspases, known for cell death, also drive tissue repair and cancer growth. These findings challenge current cancer therapies and suggest novel treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Apoptotic caspases are traditionally recognized for their role in programmed cell death and tumor suppression.
  • Emerging evidence reveals caspases participate in diverse biological processes beyond cell demise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the non-canonical functions of caspases.
  • To investigate the implications of these novel functions in cancer biology and therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on caspase functions.
  • Analysis of experimental data linking caspase activity to tissue regeneration, differentiation, and cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • Apoptotic cells can secrete growth factors, promoting proliferation and aiding tissue repair, but also contributing to chemo- and radiotherapy resistance.
  • Sub-lethal caspase activation is involved in cell differentiation and epigenetic reprogramming.
  • Spontaneous caspase activation in cancer cells is crucial for tumorigenicity and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • The established view of caspases solely as cell death mediators is incomplete.
  • These non-apoptotic roles of caspases present significant challenges to conventional cancer therapies.
  • New therapeutic strategies targeting caspase pathways may offer future treatment avenues for cancer and other diseases.
Keywords:
Apoptotic caspasesCancer stem cellsCarcinogenesisEpigenetic reprogrammingNon-canonical rolesSub-lethal caspase activation

More Related Videos

Generation of Myospheres From hESCs by Epigenetic Reprogramming09:32

Generation of Myospheres From hESCs by Epigenetic Reprogramming

Published on: June 21, 2014

8.3K
Quantification of Immunostained Caspase-9 in Retinal Tissue05:18

Quantification of Immunostained Caspase-9 in Retinal Tissue

Published on: July 25, 2022

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
33.9K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
3.9K
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...
14.2K
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...
8.8K
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...
8.7K
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...
5.2K