scholarly journals Caspases: the executioners of apoptosis

1997 ◽  
Vol 326 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald M. COHEN

Apoptosis is a major form of cell death, characterized initially by a series of stereotypic morphological changes. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the gene ced-3 encodes a protein required for developmental cell death. Since the recognition that CED-3 has sequence identity with the mammalian cysteine protease interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE), a family of at least 10 related cysteine proteases has been identified. These proteins are characterized by almost absolute specificity for aspartic acid in the P1 position. All the caspases (ICE-like proteases) contain a conserved QACXG (where X is R, Q or G) pentapeptide active-site motif. Caspases are synthesized as inactive proenzymes comprising an N-terminal peptide (prodomain) together with one large and one small subunit. The crystal structures of both caspase-1 and caspase-3 show that the active enzyme is a heterotetramer, containing two small and two large subunits. Activation of caspases during apoptosis results in the cleavage of critical cellular substrates, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and lamins, so precipitating the dramatic morphological changes of apoptosis. Apoptosis induced by CD95 (Fas/APO-1) and tumour necrosis factor activates caspase-8 (MACH/FLICE/Mch5), which contains an N-terminus with FADD (Fas-associating protein with death domain)-like death effector domains, so providing a direct link between cell death receptors and the caspases. The importance of caspase prodomains in the regulation of apoptosis is further highlighted by the recognition of adapter molecules, such as RAIDD [receptor-interacting protein (RIP)-associated ICH-1/CED-3-homologous protein with a death domain]/CRADD (caspase and RIP adapter with death domain), which binds to the prodomain of caspase-2 and recruits it to the signalling complex. Cells undergoing apoptosis following triggering of death receptors execute the death programme by activating a hierarchy of caspases, with caspase-8 and possibly caspase-10 being at or near the apex of this apoptotic cascade.

Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 372 (6549) ◽  
pp. eabg0269
Author(s):  
Zengzhang Zheng ◽  
Wanyan Deng ◽  
Yang Bai ◽  
Rui Miao ◽  
Shenglin Mei ◽  
...  

Host cells initiate cell death programs to limit pathogen infection. Inhibition of transforming growth factor–β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1) by pathogenic Yersinia in macrophages triggers receptor-interacting serine-threonine protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)–dependent caspase-8 cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). A genome-wide CRISPR screen to uncover mediators of caspase-8–dependent pyroptosis identified an unexpected role of the lysosomal folliculin (FLCN)–folliculin-interacting protein 2 (FNIP2)–Rag-Ragulator supercomplex, which regulates metabolic signaling and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In response to Yersinia infection, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), RIPK1, and caspase-8 were recruited to Rag-Ragulator, causing RIPK1 phosphorylation and caspase-8 activation. Pyroptosis activation depended on Rag guanosine triphosphatase activity and lysosomal tethering of Rag-Ragulator but not mTORC1. Thus, the lysosomal metabolic regulator Rag-Ragulator instructs the inflammatory response to Yersinia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (546) ◽  
pp. eaao1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay A. D’Cruz ◽  
Mary Speir ◽  
Meghan Bliss-Moreau ◽  
Sylvia Dietrich ◽  
Shu Wang ◽  
...  

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation can generate short-term, functional anucleate cytoplasts and trigger loss of cell viability. We demonstrated that the necroptotic cell death effector mixed lineage kinase domain–like (MLKL) translocated from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane and stimulated downstream NADPH oxidase–independent ROS production, loss of cytoplasmic granules, breakdown of the nuclear membrane, chromatin decondensation, histone hypercitrullination, and extrusion of bacteriostatic NETs. This process was coordinated by receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1), which activated the caspase-8–dependent apoptotic or RIPK3/MLKL-dependent necroptotic death of mouse and human neutrophils. Genetic deficiency of RIPK3 and MLKL prevented NET formation but did not prevent cell death, which was because of residual caspase-8–dependent activity. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) was activated downstream of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL and was required for maximal histone hypercitrullination and NET extrusion. This work defines a distinct signaling network that activates PAD4-dependent NET release for the control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Valenti ◽  
María Molina ◽  
Víctor J. Cid

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that play an essential role in inflammation, apoptosis, cell death, and development. Here we delve into the effects caused by heterologous expression of human caspase-1 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and compare them to those of caspase-8. Overexpression of both caspases in the heterologous model led to their activation and caused mitochondrial hyperpolarization, damage to different organelles, and cell death. All these effects were dependent on their protease activity, and caspase-8 was more aggressive than caspase-1. Growth arrest could be at least partially explained by dysfunction of the actin cytoskeleton as a consequence of the processing of the yeast Bni1 formin, which we identify here as a likely direct substrate of both caspases. Through the modulation of the GAL1 promoter by using different galactose:glucose ratios in the culture medium, we have established a scenario in which caspase-1 is sufficiently expressed to become activated while yeast growth is not impaired. Finally, we used the yeast model to explore the role of death-fold domains (DD) of both caspases in their activity. Peculiarly, the DDs of either caspase showed an opposite involvement in its intrinsic activity, as the deletion of the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) of caspase-1 enhanced its activity, whereas the deletion of the death effector domain (DED) of caspase-8 diminished it. We show that caspase-1 is able to efficiently process its target gasdermin D (GSDMD) when co-expressed in yeast. In sum, we propose that S. cerevisiae provides a manageable tool to explore caspase-1 activity and structure–function relationships.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Valenti ◽  
María Molina ◽  
Víctor J Cid

AbstractCaspases are a family of cysteine proteases that play an essential role in inflammation, apoptosis, cell death, and development. Here we delve into the effects caused by heterologous expression of human Caspase-1 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and compare them to those of Caspase-8. Overexpression of both caspases in the heterologous model led to their activation, and caused mitochondrial depolarization, ROS production, damage to different organelles, and cell death. All these effects were dependent on their protease activity, and Caspase-8 was more aggressive than Caspase-1. Growth arrest could be at least partially explained by dysfunction of the actin cytoskeleton as a consequence of the processing of the yeast Bni1 formin, which we identify here as a likely direct substrate of both caspases. Through the modulation of the GAL1 promoter by using different galactose:glucose ratios in the culture medium, we have established a scenario in which Caspase-1 is sufficiently expressed to become activated while yeast growth is not impaired. Finally, we used the yeast model to explore the role of death-fold domains (DD) of both caspases in their activity. Peculiarly, the DDs of either caspase showed an opposite involvement in its intrinsic activity, as the deletion of the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) of Caspase-1 enhanced its activity, while the deletion of the death effector domain (DED) of Caspase-8 diminished it. We propose the yeast model as a useful and manageable tool to explore Caspase-1 structure-function relationships, the impact of mutations or the activity of putative inhibitors or regulators.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna L. Fox ◽  
Michelle A. Hughes ◽  
Xin Meng ◽  
Nikola A. Sarnowska ◽  
Ian R. Powley ◽  
...  

AbstractRegulated cell death is essential in development and cellular homeostasis. Multi-protein platforms, including the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC), co-ordinate cell fate via a core FADD:Caspase-8 complex and its regulatory partners, such as the cell death inhibitor c-FLIP. Here, using electron microscopy, we visualize full-length procaspase-8 in complex with FADD. Our structural analysis now reveals how the FADD-nucleated tandem death effector domain (tDED) helical filament is required to orientate the procaspase-8 catalytic domains, enabling their activation via anti-parallel dimerization. Strikingly, recruitment of c-FLIPS into this complex inhibits Caspase-8 activity by altering tDED triple helix architecture, resulting in steric hindrance of the canonical tDED Type I binding site. This prevents both Caspase-8 catalytic domain assembly and tDED helical filament elongation. Our findings reveal how the plasticity, composition and architecture of the core FADD:Caspase-8 complex critically defines life/death decisions not only via the DISC, but across multiple key signaling platforms including TNF complex II, the ripoptosome, and RIPK1/RIPK3 necrosome.


2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (21) ◽  
pp. 7838-7848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerina Gnesutta ◽  
Audrey Minden

ABSTRACT Normal cell growth requires a precisely controlled balance between cell death and survival. This involves activation of different types of intracellular signaling cascades within the cell. While some types of signaling proteins regulate apoptosis, or programmed cell death, other proteins within the cell can promote survival. The serine/threonine kinase PAK4 can protect cells from apoptosis in response to several different types of stimuli. As is the case for other members of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family, one way that PAK4 may promote cell survival is by phosphorylating and thereby inhibiting the proapoptotic protein Bad. This leads in turn to the inhibition of effector caspases such as caspase 3. Here we show that in response to cytokines which activate death domain-containing receptors, such as the tumor necrosis factor and Fas receptors, PAK4 can inhibit the death signal by a different mechanism. Under these conditions, PAK4 inhibits apoptosis early in the caspase cascade, antagonizing the activation of initiator caspase 8. This inhibition, which does not require PAK4's kinase activity, may involve inhibition of caspase 8 recruitment to the death domain receptors. This role in regulating initiator caspases is an entirely novel role for the PAK proteins and suggests a new mechanism by which these proteins promote cell survival.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-263
Author(s):  
Daichao Xu ◽  
Chengyu Zou ◽  
Junying Yuan

The receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is recognized as a master upstream regulator that controls cell survival and inflammatory signaling as well as multiple cell death pathways, including apoptosis and necroptosis. The activation of RIPK1 kinase is extensively modulated by ubiquitination and phosphorylation, which are mediated by multiple factors that also control the activation of the NF-κB pathway. We discuss current findings regarding the genetic modulation of RIPK1 that controls its activation and interaction with downstream mediators, such as caspase-8 and RIPK3, to promote apoptosis and necroptosis. We also address genetic autoinflammatory human conditions that involve abnormal activation of RIPK1. Leveraging these new genetic and mechanistic insights, we postulate how an improved understanding of RIPK1 biology may support the development of therapeutics that target RIPK1 for the treatment of human inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.


2010 ◽  
Vol 427 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yatender Kumar ◽  
Vegesna Radha ◽  
Ghanshyam Swarup

Activation of initiator caspases is dependent on interacting proteins, and Ipaf [ICE (interleukin-1β-converting enzyme)-protease activating factor] {NLRC4 [NLR (Nod-like receptor) family CARD (caspase activation and recruitment domain)-containing 4]} an inflammasome component, is involved in caspase 1 activation and apoptosis. Investigating the mechanisms of Ipaf activation, we found that the C-terminal LRR (leucine-rich repeat) domain of Ipaf, through intramolecular interaction, negatively regulates its apoptosis-inducing function. In A549 lung carcinoma cells, expression of Ac-Ipaf (LRR-domain-deleted Ipaf) induced cell death that was dependent on caspase 8, but not on caspase 1. A yeast two-hybrid screen using Ac-Ipaf as bait identified human Sug1 (suppressor of gal 1), a component of the 26S proteasome, as an interacting protein. In mammalian cells Sug1 interacts and co-localizes with Ipaf. Sug1 binds to amino acids 91–253 of Ipaf, which is also the region that the LRR domain binds to. It potentiates cell death induced by Ipaf and Ac-Ipaf, and co-expression of Sug1 and Ipaf induces caspase-8-dependent cell death. Cellular complexes formed by Ipaf and Sug1 contain caspase 8. Expression of Ac-Ipaf or co-expression of Sug1 with Ipaf results in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates and caspase 8 activation. Sug1 co-expression enabled modification of Ipaf by ubiquitination. Tagging ubiquitin molecules to Ipaf led to aggregate formation, enhanced caspase 8 interaction and activation, resulting in induction of cell death. Using RNAi (RNA interference) and dominant-negative approaches, we have shown that cell death induced by Ac-Ipaf expression or by treatment with TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor α) or doxorubicin is dependent on Sug1. Our results suggest a role for ubiquitination of Ipaf that is enabled by its interaction with Sug1, leading to caspase 8 activation and cell death.


2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (24) ◽  
pp. 11490-11494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Brojatsch ◽  
John Naughton ◽  
Heather B. Adkins ◽  
John A. T. Young

ABSTRACT The identification of TVBS3, a cellular receptor for the cytopathic subgroups B and D of avian leukosis virus (ALV-B and ALV-D), as a tumor necrosis factor receptor-related death receptor with a cytoplasmic death domain, provides a compelling argument that viral Env-receptor interactions are linked to cell death (4). However, other TVB proteins have been described that appear to have similar death domains but are cellular receptors for the noncytopathic subgroup E of ALV (ALV-E): TVBT, a turkey subgroup E-specific ALV receptor, and TVBS1, a chicken receptor for subgroups B, D, and E ALV. To begin to understand the role of TVB receptors in the cytopathic effects associated with infection by specific ALV subgroups, we asked whether binding of a soluble ALV-E surface envelope protein (SU) to its receptor can lead to cell death. Here we report that ALV-E SU-receptor interactions can induce apoptosis in quail or turkey cells. We also show directly that TVBS1and TVBT are functional death receptors that can trigger cell death by apoptosis via a mechanism involving their cytoplasmic death domains and activation of the caspase pathway. These data demonstrate that ALV-B and ALV-E use functional death receptors to enter cells, and it remains to be determined why only subgroups B and D viral infections lead specifically to cell death.


2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (14) ◽  
pp. 4520-4535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin J. Foley ◽  
Holly Freedman ◽  
Sheryl L. Choo ◽  
Christina Onyskiw ◽  
Nai Yang Fu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT RASSF1A is a tumor suppressor protein involved in death receptor-dependent apoptosis utilizing the Bax-interacting protein MOAP-1 (previously referred to as MAP-1). However, the dynamics of death receptor recruitment of RASSF1A and MOAP-1 are still not understood. We have now detailed recruitment to death receptors (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 [TNF-R1] and TRAIL-R1/DR4) and identified domains of RASSF1A and MOAP-1 that are required for death receptor interaction. Upon TNF-α stimulation, the C-terminal region of MOAP-1 associated with the death domain of TNF-R1; subsequently, RASSF1A was recruited to MOAP-1/TNF-R1 complexes. Prior to recruitment to TNF-R1/MOAP-1 complexes, RASSF1A homodimerization was lost. RASSF1A associated with the TNF-R1/MOAP-1 or TRAIL-R1/MOAP-1 complex via its N-terminal cysteine-rich (C1) domain containing a potential zinc finger binding motif. Importantly, TNF-R1 association domains on both MOAP-1 and RASSF1A were essential for death receptor-dependent apoptosis. The association of RASSF1A and MOAP-1 with death receptors involves an ordered recruitment to receptor complexes to promote cell death and inhibit tumor formation.


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