A kinase gets caspases into shape

Article Abstract:

Two studies describe a previously uncharacterized Drosophila kinase (DmlKKepsilon) that regulates the abundance of DlAP1, a protein known for its ability to inhibit apoptosis. However, DmlKKepsilon-mediated degradation of DlAP1 does not regulate apoptosis as might be predicted but instead regulates actin dynamics, cell morphology, and the differentiation of sensory organ precursor cells.

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Cellular conference call: External feedback affects cell-fate decisions

Article Abstract:

A demonstration that challenging cells with multiple extracellular signals induces an external feedback that involves the release of and response to additional secreted factors with antagonistic functions is presented. The results suggest that an individual cell's decision to die or survive is not wholly independent but depends, at least in part, on feedback from its neighbors.

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Drosophila lKK-related kinase regulates nonapoptotic function of caspases via degradation of IAPs

Article Abstract:

A novel regulator of caspase activation that promotes Drosophila IAP1 (DlAP1) phosphorylation and degradation is described using a dominant-modifier screen in Drosophila. Results demonstrate that DmlKKepsilon is a determinant of DlAP1 protein levels and that it establishes the threshold of activity required for the execution of non-apoptotic caspase functions.

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