CASP10

CASP10, also known as Caspase-10, is a protein encoded by the CASP10 gene in humans. It is a member of the caspase family, a group of cysteine proteases that play crucial roles in programmed cell death (apoptosis) and inflammation. Caspases are synthesized as inactive zymogens and become activated through proteolytic cleavage, initiating a cascade of events leading to cellular disassembly.

CASP10 is a key initiator caspase involved in the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. This pathway is triggered by extracellular death signals that bind to death receptors on the cell surface. Upon activation, CASP10 can cleave and activate downstream executioner caspases, such as caspase-3 and caspase-7, which then dismantle the cell. CASP10 is also implicated in the activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor involved in inflammatory responses.

Mutations in the CASP10 gene have been associated with certain autoimmune disorders and lymphoproliferative diseases, suggesting its importance in immune regulation and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. Research continues to explore the precise mechanisms by which CASP10 contributes to both cell death and inflammation, and its potential as a therapeutic target for various diseases.