Figures & data
Figure 1. Non-apoptotic role of Caspase-3 in Yap signaling.
α-Catenin sequesters phosphorylated inactive Yes-associated protein 1 (pYap) in the cytoplasm via interaction with 14–3-3. Upon Caspase-3 activation, α-Catenin is cleaved leading to the dissociation of 14–3-3 and pYap from the complex. pYap is then dephosphorylated, which enables it to translocate to the nucleus where it regulates transcription of its target genes, including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (Xiap). In turn, Xiap generates a feedback loop by blocking Caspase-3 activity. This molecular signaling circuit dictates cell proliferation, organ size and potentially plays a role in tumorigenesis.
