Caspase-2 function in response to DNA damage.
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.
Zhivotovsky
Boris
B
Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Boris.Zhivotovsky@imm.ki.se
Orrenius
Sten
S
D000818:Animals; D000873:Anthracenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D053143:Caspase 2; D061945:Caspase Inhibitors; D020169:Caspases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000502:physiology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000502:physiology
D000873:Anthracenes; D061945:Caspase Inhibitors; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; C432165:pyrazolanthrone; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D053143:Caspase 2; D020169:Caspases