The Baena-Lopez group will relocate to the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM) in Madrid, Spain, from May 2024.
Most scientific research on the evolutionarily conserved family of caspases has traditionally focused on their role as key regulators of apoptotic cell death. However, our group has contributed to challenging this idea by demonstrating that caspases play a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and signalling without causing apoptosis in both physiological and pathological scenarios. Currently, our research efforts are focused on characterising the molecular mechanisms underlying these novel caspase functions.
Quick links
Non-apoptotic role of caspases in Drosophila epithelial tumours. Image from: DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110718.
Caspase upregulation in cellular precursors of the Drosophila gut (in green) without apoptotic features. Image from: DOI: 10.1242/dev.170811.
Our objective is to comprehensively characterize caspase activity and identify the molecular mechanisms regulating it in both physiological and pathological scenarios. To achieve this goal, we utilize various experimental methods, such as cutting-edge genetic engineering technologies, high-resolution imaging, biochemistry, and proteomics. Additionally, we leverage the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila. Furthermore, our laboratory strives to create suitable platforms for identifying new small molecules that can regulate caspase activity. Ultimately, validating these molecules in mammalian models has the potential to enhance the current range of therapeutic interventions for numerous diseases sustained by caspase activity.
2023
Non-apoptotic caspase activation sustains ovarian somatic stem cell functions by modulating Hedgehog-signalling and autophagy.
Galasso, A., Iakovleva, D. and Baena-Lopez, L.A.
EMBO Reports – 24(6): e51716.
2022
Non-apoptotic activation of Drosophila Caspase-2/9 modulates JNK signaling, the tumor microenvironment, and growth of wound-like tumors.
Xu, D.C., Wang. L., Yamada. K. and Baena-Lopez, L.A.
Cell Reports – 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110718
2022
Caspases help to spread the message via extracellular vesicles.
Hill, C., Dellar, E. and Baena-Lopez, L.A.
FEBS Journal – 90(8): 1954-1972.
2022
A LexAop>UAS>QUAS trimeric plasmid to generate inducible and interconvertible Drosophila overexpression transgenes.
Wendler, F., Park, S., Hill, C., Galasso, A., Chang, K.R., Awan, I., Sudarikova, Y., Busta, M., Liu, S., Sung, E., Aisa, G., Kim, S.K. and Baena-Lopez, L.A.
Scientific Reports – 12(1): 3835.
2021
Non-Lethal Message from the Holy Land: The first International Conference on Non-Apoptotic Roles of Apoptotic Proteins.
Arama, E., Baena-Lopez, L.A. and Fernhead, H.
FEBS JournaL – 288(7): 2166-2183.
2020
Non‐apoptotic caspase activation preserves Drosophila intestinal progenitor cells in quiescence.
Arthurton, L., Nahotko, D.A., Alonso, J., Wendler, F. and Baena-Lopez, L.A.
EMBO reports – 21(12): e48892.
2018
Novel initiator caspase reporters uncover previously unknown features of caspase-activating cells.
Baena-Lopez, L.A.*, Arthurton, L., Bischoff, M., Vincent, J.P, Alexandre, C. and McGregor, R.
Development – 145(23): dev170811.
2017
Non-apoptotic caspase regulation of stem cell properties.
Baena-Lopez, L.A.*, Arthurton, L.., Xu, D.C. and Galasso, A.
Semin Cell Dev Biol. – 82: 118-126.