Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:3.4.22.56 (caspase-3)
35,750 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We demonstrate here that both procaspase-3 (32 kDa) and PARP are calpain substrates. In calcium-channel opener maitotoxin-treated cells, a 30 kDa caspase-3 fragment is produced in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Formation of this fragment is prevented by calpain inhibitors but not by the pancaspase inhibitor, carbobenzoxy-Asp-CH(2)OC(O)-2,6-dichlorobenzene (Z-D-DCB) nor the selective proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. In maitotoxin-treated cells, PARP (113 kDa) is also cleaved into a 40 kDa immunoreactive fragment, in a calpain-inhibitor-sensitive manner. Both procaspase-3 and PARP are also cleaved in vitro by purified micro-calpain to a 30 kDa fragment and a 40 kDa fragment, respectively. Finally, we show that staurosporine-mediated caspase-3 activation is interrupted by maitotoxin pretreatment.
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PMID:Procaspase-3 and poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) are calpain substrates. 1048 59

Peroxynitrite is a cytotoxic oxidant produced during shock, ischemia reperfusion, and inflammation. The cellular events mediating the cytotoxic effect of peroxynitrite include activation of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and activation of caspase-3. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of intracellular calcium mobilization in the necrotic and apoptotic cell death induced by peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite, in a low, pathophysiologically relevant concentration (20 microM), induces rapid (1 to 3 min) Ca(2+) mobilization in thymocytes. Inhibition of this early calcium signaling by cell-permeable Ca(2+) chelators [EGTA-acetoxymethyl ester (AM), 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-AM (BAPTA-AM), 8-amino-2-[(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)methyl]-6-methoxyquinoline-N,N , N',N'-tetraacetic acid-tetra-AM] abolished cytotoxicity as measured by propidium iodide uptake. Intracellular Ca(2+) chelators also inhibited DNA single-strand breakage and activation of poly(ADP-ribose) synthase (PARS), which is a major mediator of cell necrosis in the current model. Intracellular Ca(2+) chelators also protected PARS-deficient thymocytes from peroxynitrite cytotoxicity, providing evidence for a PARS-independent, Ca(2+)-dependent cytotoxic pathway. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) blocked the peroxynitrite-induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, secondary superoxide production, and mitochondrial membrane damage. Peroxynitrite-induced internucleosomal DNA cleavage was increased on BAPTA-AM pretreatment in the wild-type cells but decreased in the PARS-deficient cells. Two other apoptotic parameters (phosphatidylserine exposure and caspase 3 activation) were inhibited by BAPTA-AM in both the wild-type and the PARS-deficient thymocytes. Our findings provide evidence for the pivotal role of an early Ca(2+) signaling in peroxynitrite cytotoxicity.
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PMID:Requirement of intracellular calcium mobilization for peroxynitrite-induced poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase activation and cytotoxicity. 1049 67

Environmental stress induces the synthesis of glucose-regulated proteins (Grps) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and heat shock proteins (Hsps) in the cytoplasm. Iodoacetamide (IDAM), a prototypical alkyating agent, induces both Grp and Hsp synthesis in renal epithelial cells and causes necrosis which is prevented by prior activation of the ER stress response (pre-ER stress) [Liu, H., et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 21751-21759]. In this study, we examined the biochemical pathways leading to IDAM-induced apoptosis and investigated the role of the ER stress response in apoptotic cell death. The antioxidant N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) prevented necrosis after IDAM treatment, but the cells went on to die with hallmarks of apoptosis, i.e., cell detachment, caspase-3 activation, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP), and DNA-ladder formation, all of which were blocked by the general caspase inhibitor zVAD. As with IDAM-induced necrosis, dithiothreitol protected against apoptosis, but cell permeable calcium chelators did not, suggesting that distinct biochemical pathways mediate these two forms of cell death. Pre-ER stress, but not heat shock, prevented IDAM-induced apoptosis. pkASgrp78 cells are deficient in Grp78 induction due to expression of a grp78 antisense RNA and are more sensitive to necrosis. However, these cells were resistant to IDAM-induced apoptosis and had increased basal levels of Grp94 and a KDEL-containing protein of about 50 kDa. Thus, the expression of grp78 antisense perturbs ER functions and activates expression of other ER stress genes accounting for the resistance to apoptosis. Taken together, the data describe functionally distinct signaling pathways through which the ER regulates apoptosis and necrosis caused by chemical toxicants.
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PMID:Distinct endoplasmic reticulum signaling pathways regulate apoptotic and necrotic cell death following iodoacetamide treatment. 1052 70

The mechanism of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells with pheophorbide a (PPa) was investigated. The PPa-PDT induced rapid apoptosis within 30 min after irradiation of cells. This apoptosis was inhibited by the 1O2 quencher N3- and caspase-3 inhibitor acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde, suggesting that 1O2 activated caspase-3 and then caused apoptosis. The intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i chelator (acetoxymethyl)-1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM) and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-increasing agent forskolin also inhibited not only the PPa-PDT-induced activation of caspase-3 but also apoptosis in V79 cells. Furthermore, PPa-PDT-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria was found to be inhibited by the treatment with BAPTA-AM but not forskolin. These results indicated that [Ca2+]i and cAMP independently serve as regulators for PPa-PDT-induced apoptosis in the upstream of caspase-3.
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PMID:Effects of BAPTA-AM and forskolin on apoptosis and cytochrome c release in photosensitized Chinese hamster V79 cells. 1054 60

Calcineurin is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase that is abundantly expressed in several specific areas of the brain, which are exceptionally vulnerable to stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we assessed the effects of high level activity of calcineurin on neuronal cells. Virus-mediated high level constitutive activity of calcineurin rendered neuronal cells susceptible to apoptosis induced by serum reduction or by a brief exposure to calcium ionophore. Adenovirus-mediated, high level forced activity of calcineurin induced cytochrome c/caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in neurons. Preincubation with the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin A and FK506 reduced susceptibility to apoptosis. High level constitutive expression of Bcl-2 or CrmA or incubation with a specific caspase-3 inhibitor inhibited the calcineurin-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that high level constitutive activity of calcineurin predisposes neuronal cells to cytochrome c/caspase-3 dependent apoptosis even under sublethal conditions.
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PMID:High level calcineurin activity predisposes neuronal cells to apoptosis. 1056 26

The transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) is activated in response to physiological activity in neuronal circuits and in response to neuronal injury associated with various acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions. The membrane lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (HNE) is increasingly implicated in the disruption of neuronal calcium homeostasis that occurs in various paradigms of neuronal excitotoxicity and apoptosis. The possible mechanistic links between lipid peroxidation and alterations in gene transcription during neuronal apoptosis have not previously been examined. We now report that exposure of cultured rat cortical neurons to an apoptotic concentration of HNE results in a large increase in AP-1 DNA-binding activity. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide blocked the induction of AP-1, consistent with a requirement for induction of expression of AP-1 family members. The broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone and the caspase-3 inhibitor N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde blocked HNE-induced increases in AP-1 DNA-binding activity, demonstrating a requirement for caspase activation in the activation of AP-1. HNE induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which was prevented by caspase inhibitors, indicating that HNE was acting at or upstream of JNK phosphorylation. The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-acetoxymethyl ester completely prevented stimulation of AP-1 DNA-binding by HNE, indicating a requirement for calcium. Moreover, agents that suppress mitochondrial calcium uptake (ruthenium red) and membrane permeability transition (cyclosporin A) attenuated AP-1 activation by HNE, suggesting a contribution of mitochondrial alterations to AP-1 activation. Collectively, our data suggest a scenario in which HNE disrupts neuronal calcium homeostasis and perturbs mitochondrial function, resulting in caspase activation. Activated caspases, in turn, induce activation of JNK, resulting in stimulation of AP-1 DNA-binding protein production. This transcriptional pathway induced by HNE may modulate the cell death process.
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PMID:The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal increases AP-1-binding activity through caspase activation in neurons. 1061 17

Incubation of cultured astrocytes in Ca(2+)-containing medium after exposure to Ca(2+)-free medium causes Ca2+ influx followed by delayed cell death. Here, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the Ca(2+)-mediated injury of cultured astrocytes and the protective effects of drugs against Ca(2+)-reperfusion injury. Our results show that Ca(2+)-reperfusion injury of astrocytes appears to be mediated by apoptosis as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation. Calpain, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, calcineurin, caspase-3, and NF-kappa B activation are involved in Ca(2+)-reperfusion injury. Several drugs including T-588 and idebenone protect astrocytes against Ca(2+)-reperfusion injury. The protective effect of idebenone is mediated by nerve growth factor production, whereas that of T-588 is mediated mainly by the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signal cascade.
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PMID:[Cell injury and its protection in astrocytes]. 1062 41

The present study was aimed at evaluating of the effects of dopamine (DA) toxicity on PC12 cells' calcium homeostasis, cellular viability, and free radical levels. Moreover, the effect of receptor inhibition, and DA metabolism and reuptake antagonism on all parameters was also evaluated. Acute treatment with DA impaired the ability of PC12 cells to buffer excess calcium after K+-depolarization, decreased cellular viability by approximately 35%, and increased free radical levels by about 10% in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment with both active and inactive pargyl monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi) protected PC12 cells from DA toxicity on cellular viability and free radical levels, regardless of the presence or absence of their target enzymes in PC12 cells. These results suggest a lack of specific involvement of DA metabolism by MAO in dopamine's effects on cellular viability and production of free radicals. However, DA-induced dysregulation of calcium homeostasis seems to be more specifically mediated by DA metabolism by MAO. Results indicate that, in order for toxicity to occur the DA must be taken up into the cells. DA receptors do not mediate dopamine cytoxicity, and the D2 receptor plays a modest role in DA-induced calcium dysregulation and generation of free radicals. Moreover, DA-induced cell viability loss is not mediated by calcium, nor by caspase-3 enzyme, but is prevented by inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pores.
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PMID:Differential effect of dopamine catabolism and uptake inhibition on dopamine-induced calcium dysregulation and viability loss. 1064 34

The polyphosphoinositides play important roles in transmembrane signalling but are also involved in anchoring cell surface proteins, organellar transport, cytoskeleton organization, and cell survival. The polyphosphoinositides synthesized by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K), (Ptd(3,4)InsP2, and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3), appear to play a critical role in cell survival by membrane recruitment and activation of Akt kinase. Inhibitors of PI3K, wortmannin, and LY294002, induced a time-dependent activation of caspase-3 (CPP32), with a peak at 6 hr, leading to subsequent cell death by apoptosis in a dorsal root ganglion cell line (F-11). Lowering cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels enhanced both caspase-3 activation and cell death induced by PI3K inhibitors, whereas a nonhydrolyzable cAMP analog (Bt2cAMP), lowered CPP32 and was protective. We stably transfected the F-11 cells with the constitutively active p110 catalytic subunit of PI-3 kinase and observed resistance to both caspase-3 (CPP32) activation and subsequent apoptosis induced by either wortmannin or LY294002. Treatment of F-11 cells with bradykinin (BK) stimulated the hydrolysis of a different polyphosphoinositide, PtdIns(4,5)P2, and enhanced both wortmannin-induced caspase-3 (CPP32) activation and subsequent apoptosis. PtdIns(4,5)P2 is also a precursor of the anti-apoptotic PtdIns(3,4,5) P3 and lowering cAMP levels with opioid agonists for 30 min enhanced both the hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5) P2 and cellular apoptosis. The enhancement was opioid dose-dependent and opioid antagonist (naloxone)-reversible and was also seen following 24-hr exposure to opioids such as U69,593 and Dala2, Dleu5 enkephalin (DADLE). However, unlike the bradykinin stimulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis following activation of phospholipase C, the opioid-enhanced hydrolysis was independent of external Ca2+ and was blocked by pertussis toxin, suggesting a different mechanism involving GI, GO, or betagamma-subunits. In summary, both the receptor-mediated lowering of cAMP levels and the hydrolysis of 4,5-polyphosphoinositides have no direct effect on caspase-3 activity or apoptosis but do exacerbate the activation of caspase-3-like activity and subsequent cell death by apoptosis induced by inhibitors of 3-polyphosphoinositide synthesis. We suggest that multiple polyphosphoinositide pathways are involved in the regulation of apoptosis.
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PMID:Multiple polyphosphoinositide pathways regulate apoptotic signalling in a dorsal root ganglion derived cell line. 1065 94

Caspases, a unique family of cysteine proteases involved in cytokine activation and in the execution of apoptosis can be sub-grouped according to the length of their prodomain. Long prodomain caspases such as caspase-8 and caspase-9 are believed to act mainly as upstream caspases to cleave downstream short prodomain caspases such as caspases-3 and -7. We report here the identification of caspases as direct substrates of calcium-activated proteases, calpains. Calpains cleave caspase-7 at sites distinct from those of the upstream caspases, generating proteolytically inactive fragments. Caspase-8 and caspase-9 can also be directly cleaved by calpains. Two calpain cleavage sites in caspase-9 have been identified by N-terminal sequencing of the cleaved products. Cleavage of caspase-9 by calpain generates truncated caspase-9 that is unable to activate caspase-3 in cell lysates. Furthermore, direct cleavage of caspase-9 by calpain blocks dATP and cytochrome-c induced caspase-3 activation. Therefore our results suggest that calpains may act as negative regulators of caspase processing and apoptosis by effectively inactivating upstream caspases.
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PMID:Direct cleavage by the calcium-activated protease calpain can lead to inactivation of caspases. 1067 58


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