Interleukin-le converting enzyme (ICE)-like proteases, which are synthesised as inactive precursors, play a key role in the induction of apoptosis. A number of ICE homologues have now been identified including CPP32, Ich-1, MchZ and Mch3. We now show that in both human monocytic tumor THP.1 cells, exposed to apoptotic stimuli and Jurkat T cells exposed to anti-Fas, cleavage of the 32-kd precurs...

Caspase proteases play essential roles in apoptotic cell death, while other proteases are active in necrotic cell death. In a recent paper in Cell, Luke et al. (2007) present findings demonstrating that a gene believed to be a natural protease inhibitor may have a role in preventing necrosis.

Haplotypes of candidate genes namely: apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1 p.Q579X or HH1), glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GART HH4), structural maintenance chromosomes 2 (SMC2 HH3), and haplotype cholesterol deficiency (HCD) associated with recessive fertility defects (loss fertility) were investigated in imported Canadian Holstein cows reared at “Medeu Commerce” LLP br...

BACKGROUND Apoptosis plays an important role in the normal development and homeostasis of metazoans. Aberrations in this process have been implicated in several major human diseases, but its molecular mechanism is poorly understood. In animals as diverse as humans and nematodes, the Bcl-2 oncoprotein prevents or delays apoptosis, whereas proteases of the interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE...

the date palm fruit stalk borer is one of the most important pests of date palm in the world. biochemical properties of digestive proteases in oryctes elegans prell larvae were investigated in this research and optimal total proteolytic and trypsin activities were obtained at ph 9.0 and 11.0, respectively. activity staining of protease on sds-page showed one isoform. also, zymogram pattern of t...

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients exhibit accelerated apoptosis and impaired functional activity. HIV protease inhibitor-based therapy produces improvements in both acquired and innate immune responses. Ex vivo and in vitro effects of HIV protease inhibitors on apoptosis and chemotaxis of PMNL were evaluated. After therapy, there was a...

RATIONALE Binding of maternal anti-Ro/La antibodies to cognate antigen expressed on apoptotic cardiocytes decreases clearance by healthy cardiocytes, which may contribute to the development of autoimmune associated congenital heart block and fatal cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE Given recent evidence implicating the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a "don't eat me" signal during e...