Signaling for the caspases: Their role in prostate cell apoptosis

Purpose: The caspases are an evolutionary conserved family of cell death pr oteases. Their activation during apoptosis is an important underlying theme in prostate cancer therapy. We summarize the signaling pathways leading to the recruitment of the caspases and address the importance of recent thera peutic strategies aimed at specifically targeting these proteases in relati on to prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: We present a background introduction into the role o f the caspases in apoptosis and how failure to signal effectively their act ivation may contribute to prostate cancer progression. Key studies aimed at specifically targeting the caspases as cancer therapy are discussed. Results: Prostate carcinogenesis and apoptosis are related. The deregulatio n of apoptosis contributes to tumor initiation, metastasis and progression to the androgen insensitive state. Conversely the effectiveness of therapy often depends on its ability to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Identifying abnormalities in the apoptotic signaling pathway has greatly co ntributed to understanding the biology of prostate cancer. Elucidating casp ase regulation has contributed to the design of novel therapies for prostat e cancer. Conclusions: We summarize the physiological and pathological pathways leadi ng to caspase activation in the prostate and describe novel approaches that target these proteases.