The activity of caspase-3-like proteases is elevated during the development of colorectal carcinoma.
Date
1999
Authors
Leonardos, L.
Butler, L.
Hewett, P.
Zalewski, P.
Cowled, P.
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Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Cancer Letters, 1999; 143(1):29-35
Statement of Responsibility
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Abstract
Activated caspase-3-like proteases promote apoptotic cell death by cleaving cellular substrates. Caspase-3-like activity was measured in colonic carcinomas and in matched normal colonic mucosa from 31 patients and was significantly elevated in 25/ 31 colonic carcinomas and adenomas when compared to normal mucosa (P < 0.0001). Caspase-3-like activity was much higher in normal mucosa and tumours of female subjects than of males (P < 0.0001). No correlation was obtained between caspase-3-like activity and location of the tumour, tumour grade, stage, or patient age. The marked increase in caspase-3-like activity in colorectal carcinomas may reflect an increase in the proportion of cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis.