Caspase 7 (CASP7) is an executioner caspase that plays a critical role in apoptosis and is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Caspase 7 (CASP7) is an executioner caspase that executes the final stages of apoptosis. It is encoded by the CASP7 gene located on chromosome 10q25 and is closely related to caspase-3, with overlapping substrate specificity.
| Caspase 7 | |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | CASP7 |
| Full Name | Caspase 7 |
| Chromosome | 10q25.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 840 |
| OMIM | 601533 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000196090 |
| UniProt ID | P55210 |
Caspase-7 exists as an inactive zymogen (procaspase-7) that requires proteolytic cleavage for activation. It is activated by both the intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways:
Activated caspase-7 (p20/p11 heterodimer) cleaves numerous cellular substrates:
Caspase-7 plays multiple roles in AD pathogenesis:
In PD, caspase-7 mediates dopaminergic neuron death:
Caspase-7 is elevated in ALS:
Following cerebral ischemia or trauma:
Caspase-7 inhibitors have been studied for neuroprotection:
| Agent | Mechanism | Status | Disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-LEHD-FMK | Selective inhibitor | Research | Stroke, TBI |
| Mito caspase inhibitors | Mitochondria-targeted | Research | Neuroprotection |
| Disease | Role | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease | Synaptic loss, tau cleavage | Elevated in AD brain |
| Parkinson's Disease | Neuronal death | Active caspase-7 in SN |
| ALS | Motor neuron death | Activated in ALS models |
| Stroke | Neuronal apoptosis | Elevated post-ischemia |
Caspase-7 is widely expressed in brain tissue: