Proteolytic cleavage during chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
Treatment with anticancer drugs sets into motion a morphologically and biochemically distinct type of cell death called apoptosis. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have suggested that proteases play a prominent role in the active phase of apoptotic cell death. Ongoing studies are aimed at identifying the proteases involved, the substrates that are cleaved, and the means by which the proteolytic process is regulated in nonapoptotic and apoptotic cells. The possibility that these findings will suggest new approaches to treating cancer and other diseases is discussed.
Kaufmann
S H
SH
Mayo Medical School, Division of Oncology Research, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010455:Peptides; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases