A Complex between Atg7 and Caspase-9: A NOVEL MECHANISM OF CROSS-REGULATION BETWEEN AUTOPHAGY AND APOPTOSIS.

ABSTRACT: Several cross-talk mechanisms between autophagy and apoptosis have been identified, in which certain co-regulators are shared, allowing the same protein to participate in these opposing processes. Our studies suggest that caspase-9 is a novel co-regulator of apoptosis and autophagy and that its caspase catalytic activity is dispensable for its autophagic role. We provide evidence that caspase-9 facilitates the early events leading to autophagosome formation; that it forms a complex with Atg7; that Atg7 is not a direct substrate for caspase-9 proteolytic activity; and that, depending on the cellular context, Atg7 represses the apoptotic capability of caspase-9, whereas the latter enhances the Atg7-mediated formation of light chain 3-II. The repression of caspase-9 apoptotic activity is medi

SUBMITTER: Han J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3945314 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature