ScienceSeptember 6, 2026

caspase

KAS-pays

Definition

A family of protease enzymes that play essential roles in programmed cell death, or apoptosis.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau formed from 'cysteine-aspartic acid protease.' It combines 'cysteine' (the amino acid at the enzyme's active site) and 'aspartic acid' (where the enzyme cuts its target proteins).

In the news

The article explains that DATS triggers apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase cascades through death receptors on the cell surface. These enzymes act as the molecular machinery that executes the self-destruction of the cell.

Garlic compound blocks key signal, triggering gastric cancer cell death

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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