FIGURE 3.

Schematic representation of local caspase activation and potential regulation pathways in neural development. Caspase-3 is activated locally and transiently in the axons of developing and mature neurons. This activation might result from a phenomenon called “minority MOMP” in which only a subpopulation of mitochondria is permeabilized while the others remain healthy. The retrograde transport of active caspases via dynein is also inhibited. Finally, IAPs can suppress caspase-3 activity through direct inhibition or proteasome mediated degradation.