Anti-pro Caspase-12 antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Pro Caspase-12 also known as ICErel-II or Casp12 is a precursor form of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease Caspase-12. It has a molecular mass of around 48 kDa and is expressed in various tissues with a notable expression in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As a precursor protein pro Caspase-12 undergoes cleavage to form the active enzyme which involves apoptotic processes through the proteolytic cascade. This protein plays a mechanical role in the initiation and execution of apoptosis particularly in response to ER stress.

Biological function summary

Pro Caspase-12 involves itself in cellular stress responses especially ER stress-induced apoptosis. It integrates into complexes responsible for mediating cell death signals when ER function is compromised. Known for its function through interactions with other caspases pro Caspase-12 activates effector caspases like Caspase-3 and Caspase-7 which eventually lead to apoptotic cell death. The protein contributes significantly to maintaining homeostasis in response to perturbations within the ER environment.

Pathways

Pro Caspase-12 takes part in the unfolded protein response and ER stress pathways. These pathways are essential for managing misfolded proteins within the ER and preventing toxic aggregation. Through its activity in these pathways pro Caspase-12 connects with proteins such as CHOP a transcription factor that amplifies the apoptotic response under stress conditions and Caspase-9 which is involved in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. These interactions highlight its role in coordinating apoptosis triggered by severe ER stress.

Associated diseases and disorders

Pro Caspase-12 relates to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes where ER stress plays a significant role. In Alzheimer's disease the dysregulation of ER stress responses involving pro Caspase-12 associates with neuronal cell death contributing to disease progression. Moreover in type 2 diabetes chronic ER stress links pro Caspase-12 with insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. These associations involving proteins like IRE1 and PERK illustrate the importance of pro Caspase-12 in the pathology of ER stress-related diseases.