Caspase-7 is a cysteine protease that plays a crucial role in the execution phase of apoptosis, the programmed cell death process essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and development. Along with caspase-3 and caspase-6, it is classified as an executioner caspase, which is activated by initiator caspases such as caspase-8 and caspase-9. Initially thought to be functionally redundant with caspase-3, recent research has highlighted distinct roles for caspase-7. It has unique substrate preferences and is involved in specific cellular processes, including the repair of plasma membrane pores through the activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) under inflammatory conditions. Additionally, caspase-7 is implicated in the regulation of inflammatory responses, particularly through its interaction with inflammasomes. Its distinct functions and involvement in both apoptosis and inflammation make caspase-7 a potential therapeutic target for diseases related to these processes, such as cancer and inflammatory disorders.
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