Apoptosis: controlled demolition at the cellular level.
Apoptosis is characterized by a series of dramatic perturbations to the cellular architecture that contribute not only to cell death, but also prepare cells for removal by phagocytes and prevent unwanted immune responses. Much of what happens during the demolition phase of apoptosis is orchestrated by members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases. These proteases target several hundred proteins for restricted proteolysis in a controlled manner that minimizes damage and disruption to neighbouring cells and avoids the release of immunostimulatory molecules.
Taylor
Rebecca C
RC
Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Cullen
Sean P
SP
Martin
Seamus J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000166:cytology
D020169:Caspases