Proteases implicated in apoptosis: old and new.
OBJECTIVE
The role of proteases in the regulation of apoptosis is becoming increasingly apparent. Whilst many of these proteases are already characterised, some have yet to be identified. Traditionally caspases held the traditional role as the prime mediators of apoptosis; however, attention is now turning towards the contribution made by serine proteases.


RESULTS
As unregulated apoptosis is implicated in various disease states, the emergence of this proteolytic family as apoptotic regulators offers novel and alterative opportunities for therapeutic targets.


CONCLUSIONS
This review presents a brief introduction and overview of proteases in general with particular attention given to those involved in apoptotic processing.
Moffitt
Kelly L
KL
Biomolecular Sciences Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, Northern Ireland, UK. k.moffitt@qub.ac.uk
Martin
S Lorraine
SL
Walker
Brian
B
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D057057:Serine Proteases / Q000378:metabolism
D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D057057:Serine Proteases