Non-apoptotic role for caspase-7 in hair follicles and the surrounding tissue
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Molecular Histology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10735-015-9636-1 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10735-015-9636-1 |
| Keywords | Caspase-7; Development; Hair follicles; Mast cells; Non-apoptotic |
| Description | Hair follicles are unique organs undergoing regular cycles of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The final step of apoptosis is, in general, mediated by executioner caspases comprising caspase-3, -6 and -7. Despite their commonly accepted apoptotic function, executioner caspases also participate in non-apoptotic processes. In the present study, we investigated activation (cleavage) of caspase-7 in mouse hair follicles and surrounding tissue during embryonic development into adulthood. Casp7 (-/-) mice were examined to understand the effect of caspase-7 deficiency in the skin. The activated form of caspase-7 was observed during embryonic hair follicle development, as well as in the first hair cycle. In general, activation of caspase-7 did not correlate with apoptosis and activation of caspase-3, except during physiological hair follicle regression. Notably, cleaved caspase-7 was observed in mast cells and its deficiency in the adult skin resulted in increased mast cell number. Our study shows for the first time activated caspase-7 in hair follicles and mast cells and indicates its non-apoptotic roles in the skin. |
| Related projects: |