Caspase-2 as a master regulator of genomic stability

Abstract

Genomic instability underlies genesis and the development of various types of cancer. During tumorigenesis, cancer initiating cells assume a set of features, which allow them to survive and proliferate. Different mutations and chromosomal alterations promote a selection of the most aggressive cancer clones that worsen the prognosis of the disease. Despite that caspase-2 was described as a protease fulfilling an initiator and an effector function in apoptosis, it has recently been discovered to play an important role in the maintenance of genomic integrity and normal chromosome configuration. This protein is able to stabilize p53 and affect the level of transcription factors, which activates cell response to oxidative stress. Here we focus on the discussion on the mechanism(s) of how caspase-2 regulates genomic stability and decreases tumorigenesis.

Keywords: aneuploidy; cancer; caspase-2; genomic stability; polyploidy.