pseudocaspase

Pseudocaspases are a family of cysteine proteases found in various organisms, including plants and fungi. They are considered "pseudo" because they share structural similarities with caspases, a well-known family of proteases involved in apoptosis, but they lack certain key features that define canonical caspases. Specifically, pseudocaspases often have a different substrate specificity or lack the ability to cleave typical caspase substrates.

Despite their differences from canonical caspases, pseudocaspases play important roles in cellular processes. In plants, they are implicated in programmed cell death, plant defense responses against pathogens, and senescence. They can be activated by various stress signals and contribute to the controlled dismantling of cellular components. In fungi, pseudocaspases have been linked to processes such as development and stress adaptation.

The precise mechanisms of pseudocaspase activation and their downstream targets are still areas of active research. However, their involvement in cell death pathways and defense mechanisms highlights their significance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and organismal integrity. Understanding pseudocaspase function can offer insights into plant immunity, developmental biology, and the evolution of protease families.