Abstract
Uncontrolled activation of calpain can lead to necrotic cell death and irreversible tissue damage. We have discovered an intrinsic mechanism whereby the autolysis-generated protease core fragment of calpain is inactivated through the inherent instability of a key alpha-helix. This auto-inactivation state was captured by the 1.9 A Ca(2+)-bound structure of the protease core from m-calpain, and sequence alignments suggest that it applies to about half of the calpain isoforms. Intact calpain large subunits are also subject to this inhibition, which can be prevented through assembly of the heterodimers. Other isoforms or their released cores are not silenced by this mechanism and might contribute to calpain patho-physiologies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
