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Caspase-independent cell death: leaving the set without the final cut

Oncogene volume 27, pages 6452–6461 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Apoptosis is dependent upon caspase activation leading to substrate cleavage and, ultimately, cell death. Although required for the apoptotic phenotype, it has become apparent that cells frequently die even when caspase function is blocked. This process, termed caspase-independent cell death (CICD), occurs in response to most intrinsic apoptotic cues, provided that mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization has occurred. Death receptor ligation can also trigger a form of CICD termed necroptosis. In this review, we will examine the molecular mechanisms governing CICD, highlight recent findings demonstrating recovery from conditions of CICD and discuss potential pathophysiological functions of these processes.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Christopher Dillon for reviewing the manuscript and Jacqueline Tait-Mulder for help in producing the figures.

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  1. Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    S W G Tait & D R Green

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Tait, S., Green, D. Caspase-independent cell death: leaving the set without the final cut. Oncogene 27, 6452–6461 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2008.311

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