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Non-Canonical Roles of Apoptotic Caspases in the Nervous System

Mahshid H Dehkordi1, Robert G K Munn2, Howard O Fearnhead1

  • 1Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|March 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Caspases, crucial proteases in apoptosis, also regulate diverse non-apoptotic cellular functions, particularly in neuronal cells. This review details these versatile, non-programmed cell death roles.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Caspases are cysteine proteases primarily known for their role in apoptosis, a highly conserved form of programmed cell death.
  • Key apoptotic caspases include caspase-2, -3, -7, -8, and -9, which execute cell death pathways.
  • Recent research highlights that these 'killer' caspases possess versatile functions beyond apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of the non-apoptotic roles of caspases.
  • To focus on how caspases influence neuronal cell behaviors in non-apoptotic contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on caspase functions.
  • Analysis of studies investigating caspase involvement in neuronal cell processes.

Main Results:

  • Caspases are involved in a broad spectrum of non-apoptotic cellular activities.
  • Significant roles of caspases have been identified in regulating various neuronal cell behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • 'Killer' caspases are multifunctional enzymes with critical non-apoptotic roles.
  • Understanding these non-apoptotic functions, especially in neurons, is essential for a comprehensive view of caspase biology.
Keywords:
Apaf-1CED-4axondarkdegenerationdifferentiationneuronalplasticity

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