The concealed side of caspases: beyond a killer of cells.

Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 9705402 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1420-9071 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 1420682X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Cell Mol Life Sci Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Basel : Springer
Original Publication: Basel ; Boston : Birkhauser, c1997-

Caspases*/metabolism ; Apoptosis*/drug effects ; Neoplasms*/pathology; Humans ; Animals ; Caspase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/pathology

Since the late 20th century, researchers have known that caspases are a pillar of cell death, particularly apoptosis. However, recent advances in cell biology have unraveled the multiple roles of caspases. These enzymes have an unconventional role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and invasion. As a result, caspase deregulation can fuel the fire of cancer, incite flames of inflammation, flare neurodegenerative disorders, and exacerbate skin pathologies. Several therapeutic approaches toward caspase inhibition have been investigated, but can caspase inhibitors harness the maladaptive effect of these proteases without causing significant side effects? A few studies have exploited caspase induction for cancer or adoptive cell therapies. Here, we provide a compelling picture of caspases, starting with their evolution, their polytomous roles beyond cell death, the flaws of their deregulation, and the merits of targeting them for therapeutic implications. Furthermore, we provide a deeper understanding of the evolution of caspase-related research up to the current era, pinpointing the role of caspases in cell survival and aiding in the development of effective caspase-targeted therapies.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: All authors have approved this publication. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)

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Keywords: Cancer; Caspase; Cell death; Differentiation; Inflammation; Neurodegenerative disease; Proliferation; Survival

EC 3.4.22.- (Caspases)
0 (Caspase Inhibitors)

Date Created: 20241203 Date Completed: 20241203 Latest Revision: 20241216

20241216

PMC11615176

10.1007/s00018-024-05495-7

39625520