Caspase 7‐induced cleavage of kinectin in apoptotic cells

Abstract
Kinectin has been characterized as the first known receptor for the molecular motor kinesin, which is critically involved in microtubule‐based vesicle transport and membrane trafficking. Here we identify kinectin as a target for caspase‐mediated proteolysis during apoptosis. Treatment of cells with diverse apoptotic stimuli including TNF, anti‐Fas, anticancer drugs, γ‐radiation or ceramide leads to rapid proteolytic cleavage of the 160‐kDa form of kinectin to a 120‐kDa fragment. Evidence is provided that kinectin cleavage is mediated by caspase 7.