2024/03/30 by Beni Lestari, Toshiaki Fukushima, Rohmad Yudi Utomo +1
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Blood Coagulation and Thrombosis Mechanisms #Cell death mechanisms and regulation #Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies
paper · doi:10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.013
openalex publication_date 2024/03/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, are pivotal regulators of apoptosis, the tightly controlled cell death process crucial for eliminating excessive or unnecessary cells during development, including placental development. Collecting research has unveiled the multifaceted roles of caspases in the placenta, extending beyond apoptosis. Apart from their involvement in placental tissue remodeling via apoptosis, caspases actively participate in essential regulatory processes, such as trophoblast fusion and differentiation, significantly influencing placental growth and functionality. In addition, growing evidence indicates an elevation in caspase activity under pathological conditions like pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), leading to excessive cell death as well as inflammation. Drawing from advancements in caspase research and placental development under both normal and abnormal conditions, we examine the significance of caspases in both cell death (apoptosis) and non-cell death-related processes within the placenta. We also discuss potential therapeutics targeting caspase-related pathways for placenta disorders.