Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond

Abstract Caspases are crucial regulators of programmed cell death, mediating pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Their activity is intricately controlled by epigenetic modifications, molecular interactions and post-translational changes, reflecting their central role...

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Main Authors: So Hee Dho, Minjeong Cho, Wonjin Woo, Seolhee Jeong, Lark Kyun Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-06-01
Series:Experimental and Molecular Medicine
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-025-01470-9
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author So Hee Dho
Minjeong Cho
Wonjin Woo
Seolhee Jeong
Lark Kyun Kim
author_facet So Hee Dho
Minjeong Cho
Wonjin Woo
Seolhee Jeong
Lark Kyun Kim
author_sort So Hee Dho
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Caspases are crucial regulators of programmed cell death, mediating pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Their activity is intricately controlled by epigenetic modifications, molecular interactions and post-translational changes, reflecting their central role in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms. Dysregulated caspase functions are linked to a wide array of conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammatory diseases, establishing their importance as potential therapeutic targets. The roles and regulation of caspases across subcellular compartments and their molecular interactions provide critical insights into the complexity of programmed cell death. Here, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse functions of caspases, offering a comprehensive foundation for exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.
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series Experimental and Molecular Medicine
spelling doaj-art-fa4c5fec572c41888b8dafaad8913eb82025-08-20T04:01:26ZengNature Publishing GroupExperimental and Molecular Medicine2092-64132025-06-015761121113210.1038/s12276-025-01470-9Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyondSo Hee Dho0Minjeong Cho1Wonjin Woo2Seolhee Jeong3Lark Kyun Kim4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of MedicineDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of MedicineDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of MedicineDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of MedicineDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of MedicineAbstract Caspases are crucial regulators of programmed cell death, mediating pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Their activity is intricately controlled by epigenetic modifications, molecular interactions and post-translational changes, reflecting their central role in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms. Dysregulated caspase functions are linked to a wide array of conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammatory diseases, establishing their importance as potential therapeutic targets. The roles and regulation of caspases across subcellular compartments and their molecular interactions provide critical insights into the complexity of programmed cell death. Here, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse functions of caspases, offering a comprehensive foundation for exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-025-01470-9
spellingShingle So Hee Dho
Minjeong Cho
Wonjin Woo
Seolhee Jeong
Lark Kyun Kim
Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
Experimental and Molecular Medicine
title Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
title_full Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
title_fullStr Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
title_full_unstemmed Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
title_short Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
title_sort caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death apoptosis pyroptosis and beyond
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-025-01470-9
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