Caspase-1

Caspase-1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CASP1 gene. It is one of the caspase family of enzymes that play essential roles in apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis, and inflammation.

Function

Caspase-1 is part of the inflammasome complex. It is activated in response to signals from pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Once activated, caspase-1 initiates a process called pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that is associated with inflammation.

Structure

The CASP1 gene encodes a protein that is a member of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) family. This protein is synthesized as an inactive zymogen that is processed to its active form by self-proteolysis or by other members of the caspase family.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the CASP1 gene have been associated with various diseases, including autoinflammatory diseases. Caspase-1 has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.

See also

• Caspase
• Inflammasome
• Pyroptosis

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