Abstract
The caspase family of cysteine proteases represents the executioners of programmed cell death (PCD) type I or apoptosis. For years, caspases have been known for their critical roles in shaping embryonic structures, including the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, recent findings have suggested that aside from their roles in eliminating unnecessary neural cells, caspases are also implicated in other neurodevelopmental processes such as axon guidance, synapse formation, axon pruning, and synaptic functions. These results raise the question as to how neurons regulate this decision-making, leading either to cell death or to proper development and differentiation. This review highlights current knowledge on apoptotic and non-apoptotic functions of caspases in the developing CNS. We also discuss the molecular factors involved in the regulation of caspase-mediated roles, emphasizing the mitochondrial pathway of cell death.
Highlights
Apoptosis is considered to be a programmed cell death (PCD) through which a multicellular organism removes damaged cells without affecting neighboring cells (Wickman et al, 2012)
Shreds of evidence suggest that apoptosis, which is considered to be a self-destructive program, may take place in healthy cells to ensure the daily functions of tissues and organs (Suzanne and Steller, 2013; Shalini et al, 2015)
The central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord, is a complex structure that begins to appear at early stages of embryonic development
Summary
Apoptosis is considered to be a programmed cell death (PCD) through which a multicellular organism removes damaged cells without affecting neighboring cells (Wickman et al, 2012). Shreds of evidence suggest that apoptosis, which is considered to be a self-destructive program, may take place in healthy cells to ensure the daily functions of tissues and organs (Suzanne and Steller, 2013; Shalini et al, 2015). The first significant event is the formation of the neural tube from the neural plate during primary and secondary neurulation. A portion of dorsal ectoderm specifies into neural plate. Secondary neurulation begins at the caudal end. In this latter process, that takes place in chicken and some mammalian embryos, mesenchymal cells gather to form the medullary cord under the ectoderm layer. The medullary cord is reshaped to create a hollow cavity (Smith and Schoenwolf, 1997; Gilbert, 2000)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
