Differential subcellular localization of caspase family proteins in the adult rat brain

The distribution of the caspase family (caspase-2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10) was assessed using immunochemical detection of subcellular fractions of 8- week-old rat brain tissues. The present study demonstrated that the relativ e protein level of caspase-2, -3, -6, -8 and -10 was highest in the soluble cytosolic fraction, while that for caspase-9 was highest in the nucleus. W e also found that caspase-3 and -6 were present at high levels and caspase- 2, -8 and -9 at moderate levels in the nerve endings fraction as well as in the soluble cytosolic fraction. These results suggest that rat brain caspa ses are differentially expressed in the subcellular fractions of the rat br ain, and that caspases not only contribute to the regulation of neuronal de ath, but also to synaptic plasticity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd . All rights reserved.