HRP Anti-pro Caspase-3 antibody [E61]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Pro Caspase-3 also known as Caspase-3 zymogen is a central component in the apoptotic process. This inactive precursor form undergoes cleavage during apoptosis to become active caspase-3 an important executioner in cell death. Caspase-3 possesses a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa. It is expressed ubiquitously in cells throughout the body with a higher concentration in tissues with rapid cell turnover such as thymus and gastrointestinal tract.

Biological function summary

The inactive pro Caspase-3 form serves as a safeguard in cells preventing premature apoptosis. It only becomes the active caspase-3 after specific activation ensuring controlled progression of apoptosis. This inactive form does not participate in any complex but becomes a part of the caspase family network upon cleavage. In its active form caspase-3 leads to the cleavage of several key cellular proteins driving the morphological and biochemical changes seen during apoptosis.

Pathways

Pro Caspase-3 is critical in the apoptotic signaling pathway. It serves as a link between intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. The intrinsic pathway often triggered by mitochondrial signals and the extrinsic pathway initiated by death receptor signals both lead to the activation of caspase-3. In these pathways pro Caspase-3 interacts with proteins like caspase-8 and cytochrome c playing a part in their signaling cascades and cellular outcomes.

Associated diseases and disorders

Pro Caspase-3 is associated with conditions involving dysregulated apoptosis. One such condition is cancer where evasion of apoptosis leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The therapeutic targeting of pro Caspase-3 activation holds potential in reinstating apoptotic pathways in cancerous cells. Additionally it relates to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's where excessive apoptosis contributes to neuronal loss. Here active caspase-3 interacts with proteins like amyloid precursor protein suggesting a role in the disease's progression.