NON-APOPTOTIC FORMS OF CELL DEATH AND METHODS OF MODULATION

摘要

The invention is directed to methods for identifying molecules that modulate paraptosis, a newly identified nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting paraptosis by preventing association of caspase-9 and an endogenous paraptosis-mediating molecule. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of inhibiting paraptosis by preventing association of caspase-9 and the Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor (IGFIR). The invention further is directed to therapeutic methods for treatment of pathologies associated with aberrant levels of paraptosis such as neural cell death disorders and neoplastic disorders. Also provided by the present invention are methods of identifying endogenous paraptosis-mediating molecules.