Caspases (c ysteine- asp artic prote ases, c ysteine asp art ases or c ysteine-dependent asp artate-directed prote ases) are a family of protease enzymes playing essential roles in programmed cell death.

Caspases are key regulators of apoptosis and inflammation. Insufficient caspase activation can promote tumorigenesis or infection; hyperactivation can promote neurodegeneration or inflammatory conditions.

The caspase cascade is activated by two distinct routes: one from the cell surface and the other from mitochondria (Ref.1). The pathway leading to caspase activation varies according to the apoptotic stimulus.

Caspases, a family of aspartic acid-specific proteases, are the major effectors of apoptosis. To curtail their activity, caspases are normally synthesized as inactive precursors, but become activated at the onset of apoptosis by activation signals.

Dec 18, 2023 · During apoptosis, a cascade of caspase activation mediates signal transduction and cellular destruction, whereas pyroptosis occurs when activated caspases cleave gasdermins, which can then form...

Caspases are the primary drivers of apoptotic cell death, cleaving cellular proteins that are critical for dismantling the dying cell. Initially translated as inactive zymogenic precursors, caspases are activated in response to a variety of cell death stimuli.

Caspases, a unique family of cysteine proteases, execute programmed cell death (apoptosis). Caspases exist as inactive zymogens in cells and undergo a cascade of catalytic activation at the onset of apoptosis. The activated caspases are subject to ...

Apoptosis Is Mediated by an Intracellular Proteolytic Cascade. Cells that die as a result of acute injury typically swell and burst. They spill their contents all over their neighbors—a process called cell necrosis—causing a potentially damaging inflammatory response.

Jul 9, 2013 · The caspase cascade responsible for executing cell death following cytochrome c release is well described; however the distinct roles of caspases-9, -3 and -7 during this process are not completely defined.

Jun 15, 2009 · Three major pathways to apoptosis-associated caspase activation have been identified in mammals: the extrinsic or death receptor pathway, the intrinsic or apoptosome pathway and the cytotoxic ...