Role of caspases and non-caspase proteases in cell death

Undoubtedly, caspases are the major driving force for apoptosis execution and mechanisms of their activation and inhibition have been largely unveiled. Recent progress has been made with regard to the exact intracellular ordering of caspases, monitoring their activities in vivo and unveiling their substrate degradomes. Moreover, non-caspase proteases seem to assist caspases in the completion of the death execution program. Here we will consider some very recent data dealing with these aspects. We will also provide novel insights into the mechanisms that dictate apoptotic variability within a cell population.