Caspase 6

Caspase-6 is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CASP6 is_associated_with::gene. CASP6 is_associated_with::orthologs have been identified in numerous is_associated_with::mammals for which complete genome data are available. Unique orthologs are also present in is_associated_with::birds, is_associated_with::lizards, is_associated_with::lissamphibians, and is_associated_with::teleosts.

Function
This gene encodes a protein that is a member of the cysteine-is_associated_with::aspartic acid is_associated_with::protease (is_associated_with::caspase) family. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell is_associated_with::apoptosis. Caspases exist as inactive is_associated_with::proenzymes that undergo proteolytic processing at conserved aspartic residues to produce two subunits, large and small, that dimerize to form the active enzyme. This protein is processed by caspases 7, 8 and 10, and is thought to function as a downstream enzyme in the caspase activation cascade. Caspase 6 can also undergo self-processing without other members of the caspase family. is_associated_with::Alternative splicing of this gene results in two transcript variants that encode different isoforms.

Interactions
Caspase 6 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::Caspase 8.