REVIEW: Programmed Cell Death in Plants

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A. S. Fomicheva¹, A. I. Tuzhikov², R. E. Beloshistov¹, S. V. Trusova², R. A. Galiullina², L. V. Mochalova², N. V. Chichkova², and A. B. Vartapetian^2*

¹Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

²Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; E-mail: varta@genebee.msu.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received May 17, 2012; Revision received May 25, 2012

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The modern concepts of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants are reviewed as compared to PCD (apoptosis) in animals. Special attention is focused on considering the potential mechanisms of implementation of this fundamental biological process and its participants. In particular, the proteolytic enzymes involved in PCD in animals (caspases) and plants (phytaspases) are compared. Emphasis is put on elucidation of both common features and substantial differences of PCD implementation in plants and animals.

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KEY WORDS: apoptosis, caspase, programmed cell death, phytaspase

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297912130044

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