Role of proteases in regulating cell death pathways

Abstract

Cell death is a critical process involved during development, tissue homeostasis, and aging. Multiple forms of cell death exist such as apoptosis (type I cell death), necrosis, and autophagy (type II cell death). Recently, other selective forms ofcell death such as pyroptosis, eryptosis, entosis, mitophagy, and oncosis are alsoreported. These cell death pathways collaborate with each other, and regulationof such mechanisms is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Interestingly, proteases are the one that mediate the cell death programs, and immenseresearch is focused on elucidating the mechanisms through which proteaseregulates cell death program. In this chapter, we focus on various cell deathpathways and how protease regulates these pathways.