Caspase-2 acts upstream of mitochondria to promote cytochromec release during etoposide-induced apoptosis
JD Robertson, M Enoksson, M Suomela… - Journal of Biological …, 2002 - ASBMB
DNA damage induced by the cancer chemotherapeutic drug etoposide triggers the onset of
a series of intracellular events characteristic of apoptosis. Among the early changes
observed is the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, although the mechanism
responsible for this effect is unclear. We demonstrate here a role for caspase-2 in etoposide-
induced cytochrome crelease. In particular, Jurkat T-lymphocytes treated with an irreversible
caspase-2 inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Asp-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (z-VDVAD …
a series of intracellular events characteristic of apoptosis. Among the early changes
observed is the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, although the mechanism
responsible for this effect is unclear. We demonstrate here a role for caspase-2 in etoposide-
induced cytochrome crelease. In particular, Jurkat T-lymphocytes treated with an irreversible
caspase-2 inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Asp-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (z-VDVAD …
