Caspase-2: the orphan caspase

Caspase-2 at a glance.

Despite two decades of research, the role of caspase-2 in physiology and disease is still poorly understood and controversial. This Cell Science at a Glance article provides an overview of the proposed functions and possible modes of action and regulation of caspase-2. In addition, we will highlight recent findings that may lead to a more comprehensive understanding of this highly conserved pro...

Putative functions of caspase-2

Caspase-2 is the most evolutionarily conserved of caspase family members, yet its physiological function has remained unclear and is a matter of considerable debate. Newly published data now suggest that caspase-2 is required for cell cycle regulation, repair of damaged DNA, and in suppressing Myc-induced lymphomagenesis. Additionally, loss of Casp2 in mice leads to features of premature ageing...

Caspase-2 and the oxidative stress response

Caspase-2, one of the earliest discovered caspases, has emerged as a multifunctional enzyme with roles that are not limited to cell death. It acts as a tumor suppressor, prevents genetic instability, and protects against aging by playing a crucial role in sensing alterations in cellular redox status and activating the antioxidant defense system. These apparent non-apoptotic functions, only disc...

Identification of a caspase-2 isoform that behaves as an endogenous inhibitor of the caspase cascade.

Procaspase-2 is one of the aspartate-specific cysteine proteases that are activated in response to various apoptotic stimuli. Two isoforms of human procaspase-2 have been described initially. Overexpression of the long isoform (caspase-2L) promotes cell death whereas the short isoform (caspase-2S) antagonizes some apoptotic pathways. In the present study, we identified two additional CASP-2 mRN...

A nonapoptotic role for CASP2/caspase 2