News Releases & Research Results Study elucidates the regulatory mechanism for organ size through the non-apoptotic basal caspase activation

Results of research by Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Natsuki Shinoda, Professor Masayuki Miura of the Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, and others.

• Genetic analysis using Drosophila wings (an epithelial cell organ suitable for research on organ growth) found that caspases ^(*) promote non-apoptotic organ growth and contribute to the organ-size stability.
  ^(*) A group of proteolytic enzymes that induce apoptosis.
• In addition, it was revealed that caspase-mediated basal proteolytic activity is also present in healthy cells, and the proteolytic cleavage of caspase substrates is important in promoting organ growth.
• Non-apoptotic caspase activation is also closely related to cellular infiltration and nerve function. The study results are expected to promote basic understanding of cancer, neurodegeneration, and regenerative medicine.

This research was conducted with the support of Advanced Research & Development Programs for Medical Innovation (AMED-CREST) by AMED.

Shinoda N., et al. Dronc-independent basal executioner caspase activity sustains Drosophila imaginal tissue growth, PNAS
DOI:10.1073/pnas.1904647116