Apoptotic and Non-apoptotic Caspase Functions in Neural Development

During neural development, massive cell death occurs in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Caspase is a central player in apoptosis that is evolutionally conserved. Genetic manipulation of the caspase activity in Drosophila and mice has revealed that caspases control cell fate through apoptotic and non-apoptotic mechanisms, to ensure appropriate cell differentiation and maturation in the developing nervous system.