Abstract
The caspase family of cysteine proteases have emerged as central regulators of apoptosis. Diverse cellular stresses trigger caspase activation by promoting release of mitochondrial components, including cytochrome c, into the cytoplasm. In turn, cytochrome c promotes the assembly of a caspase-activating complex termed the apoptosome. In this article, the apoptosome and its role in life and death decisions of cells are discussed.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Apoptosis*
-
Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology
-
Caenorhabditis elegans / enzymology
-
Caenorhabditis elegans / ultrastructure
-
Caspases / metabolism
-
Cytochrome c Group / metabolism*
-
Enzyme Activation
-
Mitochondria / enzymology*
-
Mitochondria / ultrastructure*
-
Organelles*
-
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
Substances
-
Cytochrome c Group
-
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
-
Caspases