Zhivotovsky B, Orrenius S. Caspase-2 function in response to DNA damage.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005;
331:859-67. [PMID:
15865942 DOI:
10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.03.191]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2005] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-2 is one of the best conserved caspases across species. This enzyme is unique among caspases in that it has features of both initiator and effector caspases. Caspase-2 appears to be necessary for the onset of apoptosis triggered by several insults, including DNA damage, administration of TNF, and different pathogens and viruses. In several experimental systems, a link has been shown between the p53 family proteins and caspase-2 activation leading to cell death. In this review, current knowledge concerning the structure of this protease and its function in cell physiology and cell death, particularly cell death triggered by DNA damage, is summarized and discussed.
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