Caspase-6 is an effector/executioner caspase, as are caspase-3 (EC?3.4.22.56) and caspase-7 (EC?3.4.22.60) [2]. These caspases are responsible for the proteolysis of the majority of cellular polypeptides, [e.g. poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)], which lead to the apoptotic phenotype [2]. Caspase-6 can cleave its prodomain to produce mature caspase-6, which directly activates caspase-8 (EC?3.4.22.61) and leads to cytochrome?c?release from the mitochondria. The release of cytochrome?c?is an essential component of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway [1]. The enzyme can also cleave and inactivate lamins, the intermediate filament scaffold proteins of the nuclear envelope, leading to nuclear fragementation in the final phases of apoptosis [2,4,5,6]. Belongs in peptidase family?C14.
Cofactor
History
Reactions
Strict requirement for Asp at position P1 and has a preferred cleavage sequence of Val-Glu-His-Asp-|-.
