Structure function of caspase 7 activation sites

A natural defense against cancer is the recognition of malignant cells by the immune system that triggers an intracellular program leading to the elimination of the cancer cell. This program is called apoptosis and involves a sequential activation of proteolytic enzymes called caspases that mediate an accelerated cascade of reactions culminating in cell death. A cancer cell can evade this defense mechanism by a mutation at a target site for a caspase action that renders this caspase in the chain reaction ineffective and arrests apoptosis. Such a malignant cell will then undergo uncontrolled cell division that progresses to a disseminated malignancy. Dr. Denault will study target sites for caspase action. This program of research will lead to the design of anticancer drugs that will activate apoptosis in malignant cells that have escaped the host immune defenses through mutations in the caspase pathway.
The Banting Research Foundation-CIHR Award is awarded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) on the recommendation of The Banting Research Foundation.