Caspase Independent Apoptosis
The characterization of the caspases allowed the development of caspase inhibitors which can be used to determine whether a cellular process involves active caspases. Using these inhibitors it was discovered that cells can die while displaying a morphology similar to apoptosis without caspase activation. Later studies linked this phenomenon to the release of AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) from the mitochondria and its translocation into the nucleus mediated by its NLS (nuclear localization signal). Inside the mitochondria, AIF is anchored to the inner membrane. In order to be released the protein is cleaved by a calcium-dependent calpain protease.
Read more about this topic: Apoptosis
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