title: Caspase-14 reveals its secrets.
abstract: Caspase-14 is a unique member of the evolutionarily conserved family of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinases, which are mainly involved in inflammation and apoptosis. However, recent evidence also implicates these proteases in proliferation and differentiation. Although most caspases are ubiquitously expressed, caspase-14 expression is confined mainly to cornifying epithelia, such as the skin. Moreover, caspase-14 activation correlates with cornification, indicating that it plays a role in terminal keratinocyte differentiation. The determination of in vitro conditions for caspase-14 activity paved the way to identifying its substrates. The recent development of caspase-14-deficient mice underscored its importance in the correct degradation of (pro)filaggrin and in the formation of the epidermal barrier that protects against dehydration and UVB radiation. Here, we review the current knowledge on caspase-14 in skin homeostasis and disease.
authors.affiliation: Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Geertrui
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Denecker
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ovaere
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vandenabeele
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Declercq
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053456:Caspase 14 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000235:genetics; D004817:Epidermis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C000717249:FLG protein, human; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins; D007633:Keratins; D053456:Caspase 14