Calpains expression during Xenopus laevis development.

Calpains are cytoplasmic proteases activated by calcium, implicated in cell differentiation and apoptosis. The best characterized enzymes are calpains 1-3. The aim of this work was to localize calpains 1-3 during the development of Xenopus laevis in order to clarify the function of these three proteases. For the first time, we detected the localization of the three proteases at the protein level between one-cell stage and adult age. Their expression was weak at early stages, then increased at tadpole stage and decreased through metamorphosis and adult life. The calpain's expression was maximal during the period characterized by the appearance of organs and modelling process. These observations suggest that calpains play a crucial role during development.