Caspase-9
Caspase-9
Caspase-9 (pronounced as "kas-peys nain") is a member of the caspase family of proteins, which play a crucial role in programmed cell death, or apoptosis.
Etymology
The term "caspase" is derived from two words: "cysteine" and "aspartate". The number "9" signifies its order in the sequence of discovery within the caspase family.
Function
Caspase-9 is an initiator caspase, meaning it is one of the first enzymes to be activated in the apoptosis process. Once activated, it cleaves and activates other caspases, leading to a cascade of events that ultimately result in cell death. Caspase-9 is activated within a large protein complex called the apoptosome, which is formed in response to cellular stress signals.
Related Terms
- Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
- Caspase: A family of protease enzymes playing essential roles in programmed cell death (including apoptosis), necrosis and inflammation.
- Apoptosome: A large quaternary protein structure formed in the process of apoptosis.
Clinical Significance
Alterations in the function of caspase-9 have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In cancer, mutations that inhibit the function of caspase-9 can prevent apoptosis and contribute to the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Conversely, in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, excessive activation of caspase-9 can lead to the death of neurons.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Caspase-9
- Wikipedia's article - Caspase-9
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