The multifaceted activity of insect caspases. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Accorsi, A.; Zibaee, A.; Malagoli, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of insect physiology. Volume 76(2015:May)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: IAP inhibitor of apoptosis -- Ark Apaf-1-related killer -- PK protein kinase -- atg genes autophagy-related genes -- CARD caspase activation and recruitment domain; Autophagy -- Cell death -- Insect evolution -- Non-apoptotic caspase; Insects -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Insectes -- Physiologie -- Périodiques; Insects -- Physiology; Periodicals; 571.157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.03.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1910

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Insect caspases are involved in several non-apoptotic processes. Caspases promote a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated autophagy. Caspase-mediated non-apoptotic functions include neuroblast self-renewal and immune response. Abstract: Caspases are frequently considered synonymous with apoptotic cell death. Increasing evidence demonstrates that these proteases may exert their activities in non-apoptotic functions. The non-apoptotic roles of caspases may include developmentally regulated autophagy during insect metamorphosis, as well as neuroblast self-renewal and the immune response. Here, we summarize the established knowledge and the recent advances in the multiple roles of insect caspases to highlight their relevance for physiological processes and survival.