BAF as a caspase-dependent mediator of nuclear apoptosis in Drosophila.

BAF is a double-stranded DNA binding protein required for proper nuclear morphology and function in Drosophila development. Imaginal discs of Drosophila baf-null mutants were found to exist only in younger larvae as small degenerative tissues. Immunohistochemical analyses showed diffuse lamin distribution, DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase drICE in these tissues, suggesting that apoptotic events can be induced by the loss of baf.