In vivo and in vitro evidence for extracellular caspase activity released from apoptotic cells |
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Authors: | Hentze H Schwoebel F Lund S Keel M Ertel W Wendel A Jäättelä M Leist M Kehl M |
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Institution: | Faculty of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, 78457, Germany. |
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Abstract: | While caspases play an established role as intracellular executors of apoptosis, little is known about extracellular activities of this ubiquitously expressed family of proteases. We demonstrate here that recombinant caspase-3 retained enzymatic activity in various extracellular fluids. Experiments with cell lines, primary cells, and mice with fulminant CD95-triggered hepatitis showed that significant amounts of DEVD-aminofluoromethylcoumarine-cleaving activity, indicative of active effector caspases, were released into the medium/plasma during apoptosis. Furthermore, caspase activities were detected in liquor samples from human head trauma patients. These findings warrant closer investigation of DEVDase activity as a diagnostic marker, and of potential extracellular substrates for caspases. |
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