Caspase-9

Caspase-9 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CASP9 gene. It is an initiator caspase, as opposed to the effector caspases 3, 6, and 7. Caspase-9 is involved in the apoptosis pathway, a cellular process leading to self-destruction of the cell.

Function

Caspase-9 belongs to the caspase family of proteins, which play a vital role in apoptosis. The protein is synthesized as an inactive precursor, which undergoes processing by self-proteolysis or by other proteins in the caspase family, to produce an active enzyme.

Caspase-9 is involved in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and is activated by a variety of signals including cell stress and developmental cues. Once activated, it cleaves and activates downstream effector caspases leading to apoptosis.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the CASP9 gene are associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases. The protein is a potential target for cancer therapy, as its activation leads to cell death.

See also

• Caspase
• Apoptosis
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases

References

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External links

• WikiMD article on Caspase-9

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