CLEAVAGE OF ACTIN BY INTERLEUKIN 1-BETA-CONVERTING ENZYME TO REVERSE DNASE-I INHIBITION

Three of the predominant features of apoptosis are internucleosomal DN A fragmentation, plasma membrane bleb formation, and retraction of cel l processes, We demonstrate that actin is a substrate for the proapopt otic cysteine protease interleukin 1 beta-converting enzyme. Actin cle aved by interleukin 1 beta-converting enzyme can neither inhibit DNase I nor polymerize to its filamentous form as effectively as intact act in, These findings suggest a mechanism for the coordination of the pro teolytic, endonucleolytic, and morphogenetic aspects of apoptosis.