Caspase enzymes are key players in initiating and executing apoptosis, the programmed cell death process. Think of caspases as molecular scissors, cleaving proteins to dismantle the cell. Several other enzymes contribute to apoptosis, but caspases are central to the process.
Key Enzymes Involved in Apoptosis
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Caspases: These proteases (protein-cutting enzymes) are crucial for apoptosis initiation and execution. There are initiator caspases (like caspase-8 and caspase-9) which start the cascade, and executioner caspases (like caspase-3 and caspase-7) that carry out the cell demolition. As noted in a source from May 16, 2014, "Caspase is essentially like molecular scissors."
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RNase L: This interferon-induced enzyme is implicated in apoptosis, as shown in research indicating that RNase L produced by a recombinant vaccinia virus causes mammalian cell death with characteristic apoptotic morphology. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682297987195)
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Cathepsin D: This lysosomal enzyme has been linked to apoptosis triggered by oxidative stress in certain cell types. Studies have shown its relocation contributes to apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9588882/)
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Other Enzymes: While not as centrally involved as caspases, other enzymes play supporting roles in apoptosis. These include enzymes involved in ubiquitination, such as the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2Q2, and enzymes regulated by factors like Nedd8, as noted in research examining the effects of a Nedd8-activating enzyme inhibitor. (https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/72/13/3360/575838/The-Nedd8-Activating-Enzyme-Inhibitor-MLN4924)
Both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) apoptotic pathways converge on caspase activation, highlighting their central role in this programmed cell death process. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoptosis)
