No abstract

Background: Proteins involved in DNA replication and repair are cleaved by caspases during apoptosis. Results: Caspase-dependent degradation of human ribonucleotide reductase subunits R2 and p53R2 occurs in apoptotic cells. Conclusion: Inhibition of deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) synthesis by ribonucleotide reductase proteolysis favors apoptosis. Significance: Enzymatic production of dNTPs is a prosurvival metabolic process down-regulated in apoptotic cells.