Pathological apoptosis by xanthurenic acid, a tryptophan metabolite: activation of cell caspases but not cytoskeleton breakdown.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A family of aspartate-specific cysteinyl proteases, named caspases, mediates programmed cell death, apoptosis. In this function, caspases are important for physiological processes such as development and maintenance of organ homeostasis. Caspases are, however, also engaged in aging and disease development. The factors inducing age-related caspase activation are not known. Xanthurenic acid, a product of tryptophan degradation, is present in blood and urine, and accumulates in organs with aging.

Results

Here, we report triggering of apoptotic key events by xanthurenic acid in vascular smooth muscle and retinal pigment epithelium cells. Upon exposure of these cells to xanthurenic acid a degradation of ICAD/DFF45, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and gelsolin was observed

SUBMITTER: Malina HZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC34606 | biostudies-literature | 2001

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature