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Caspase-3 Activation

Meaning

Caspase-3 activation is a critical, irreversible biochemical event marking a major execution step in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Caspase-3 is a cysteine-aspartic acid protease existing as an inactive proenzyme in the cell cytoplasm; its activation involves proteolytic cleavage by upstream initiator caspases. Once active, this enzyme acts as a cellular executioner, systematically dismantling essential cellular components through the cleavage of numerous structural and regulatory proteins. This process is fundamental to tissue remodeling, immune system regulation, and the elimination of damaged or senescent cells, thereby profoundly influencing tissue health and longevity.