Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a conserved process aimed to eliminate unwanted cells. The key molecules are a group of proteases called caspases that cleave vital proteins, which leads to the… (More)
Non-lethal stress treatments (X-radiation or heat shock) administered to Drosophila imaginal discs induce massive apoptosis, which may eliminate more that 50% of the cells. Yet the discs are able to… (More)
Apoptotic cells of Drosophila not only activate caspases, but also are able to secrete developmental signals like Hedgehog (Hh), Decapentaplegic (Dpp) and Wingless (Wg) before dying. Since Dpp and Wg… (More)
Mitochondria accumulate damage over time, which can lead to impairment of cell function by excessive production of reactive oxygen species. The PINK1/Parkin pathway therefore monitors the quality of… (More)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences…
2016
The PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway can tag damaged mitochondria and trigger their degradation by mitophagy. Before the onset of mitophagy, the pathway blocks mitochondrial… (More)