How does caspases regulation play role in cell decisions? apoptosis and beyond

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases, and the key factors behind the cellular events which occur during apoptosis and inflammation. However, increasing evidence shows the non-conventional pro-survival action of apoptotic caspases in crucial processes. These cellular events include cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, which may appear in the form of metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance in cancerous situations. Therefore, there should be a precise and strict control of caspases activity, perhaps through maintaining the threshold below the required levels for apoptosis. Thus, understanding the regulators of caspase activities that render apoptotic caspases as non-apoptotic is of paramount importance both mechanistically and clinically. Furthermore, the functions of apoptotic caspases are affected by numerous post-translational modifications. In the present mini-review, we highlight the various mechanisms that directly impact caspases with respect to their anti- or non-apoptotic functions. In this regard, post-translational modifications (PTMs), isoforms, subcellular localization, transient activity, substrate availability, substrate selection, and interaction-mediated regulations are discussed.

Automated summary

Caspases are important proteases involved in cellular events such as apoptosis and inflammation. They also have non-apoptotic pro-survival functions, which are crucial in processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well as tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate caspase activities is important for both mechanistic and clinical purposes. Additionally, the functions of apoptotic caspases are affected by various post-translational modifications.