CASP8

CASP8: A Key Player in Apoptosis and Inflammation

Description

CASP8 (Caspase-8) is a central enzyme in apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inflammation. It belongs to the caspase protease family and plays a critical role in initiating and executing the apoptotic and inflammatory pathways.

CASP8 exists in two forms:

• Inactive pro-CASP8: This form is found in the cytoplasm and consists of a prodomain, two large subunits, and two small subunits.
• Active CASP8: When triggered, pro-CASP8 undergoes conformational changes, leading to its autoprocessing and activation. Active CASP8 is responsible for initiating apoptosis and inflammation.

Associated Diseases

Abnormalities in CASP8 activity can contribute to various diseases, including:

• Inflammatory diseases: Crohn‘s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer‘s disease, Parkinson‘s disease
• Cancer: Breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia

Did you Know ?

In 2022, a study estimated that approximately 5% of individuals with Crohn‘s disease have a mutation in the CASP8 gene, highlighting the significant role it plays in inflammatory bowel diseases.