Caspases

Also known as:  Cysteine Aspartic Acid Proteases

Caspases are a group of (at least 14) endogenous Proteolytic Enzymes.  The different Caspases are expressed differently in different cells/tissues and have different roles within the biochemical pathway.  Caspases are produced in an inactive proform and are activated when and where needed by autoproteolysis or by other Caspases.

Cells

 Caspases are closely involved in the process of Apoptosis:

 Caspases are responsible for cleaving target Proteins within the Cytoplasm or the cell Nucleus during the process of Apoptosis.

 Caspase 1

 Caspase 2

 Caspase 3

 Caspase 4

 Caspase 5

 Caspase 6

 Caspase 7

 Caspase 8

 Caspase 9

 Caspase 10

 Caspase 11

 Caspase 12

 Caspase 13

 Caspase 14