Abstract
Caspases are central components of the machinery responsible for apoptosis. Recent structural and biochemical studies on procaspases, IAPs, Smac/DIABLO, and apoptosome have revealed a conserved mechanism of caspase activation and inhibition. This article reviews these latest advances and presents our current understanding of caspase regulation during apoptosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Apoptosis / physiology*
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Binding Sites
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Caspase Inhibitors
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Caspases / chemistry*
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Caspases / classification
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Caspases / metabolism*
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Enzyme Activation
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Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
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Insect Proteins / metabolism
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Models, Biological
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Models, Molecular
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Protein Conformation
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Protein Precursors / metabolism
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Protein Structure, Tertiary*
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Proteins*
Substances
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Caspase Inhibitors
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Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
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Insect Proteins
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Protein Precursors
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Proteins
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Caspases