Caspase-1

Caspase-1 (pronounced as "kas-peys-wun") is an enzyme encoded by the CASP1 gene in humans. It is a member of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) family. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell apoptosis.

Etymology

The term "Caspase" is derived from the words "cysteine-aspartic acid protease". The number "1" signifies that it was the first caspase to be identified.

Function

Caspase-1 is involved in the inflammatory response and apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. It is activated in the inflammasome complex, and is known to cleave the precursors of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 18 into active forms.

Related Terms

• CASP1 gene
• Cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase)
• Inflammatory response
• Apoptosis
• Inflammasome
• Interleukin 1 beta
• Interleukin 18

See Also

• Caspase
• Caspase activation and recruitment domain
• Apoptosis

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