Caspases: evolutionary aspects of their functions in vertebrates

Authors: Sakamaki; Satou

Source: Journal of Fish Biology, Volume 74, Number 4, March 2009 , pp. 727-753(27)

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Abstract:

Caspases (cysteine-dependent aspartyl-specific protease) belong to a family of cysteine proteases that mediate proteolytic events indispensable for biological phenomena such as cell death and inflammation. The first caspase was identified as an executioner of apoptotic cell death in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, a large number of caspases have been identified in various animals from sponges to vertebrates. Caspases are thought to play a pivotal role in apoptosis as an evolutionarily conserved function; however, the number of caspases that can be identified is distinct for each species. This indicates that species-specific functions or diversification of physiological roles has been cultivated through caspase evolution. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that caspases are also involved in inflammation and cellular differentiation in mammals. This review highlights vertebrate caspases in their universal and divergent functions and provides insight into the physiological roles of these molecules in animals.

Keywords: apoptosis; caspase; evolution; inflammation; terminal differentiation; vertebrates

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02184.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan

Publication date: 2009-03-01