Putative functions of caspase-2

Abstract

Caspase-2 is the most evolutionarily conserved of caspase family members, yet its physiological function has remained unclear and is a matter of considerable debate. Newly published data now suggest that caspase-2 is required for cell cycle regulation, repair of damaged DNA, and in suppressing Myc-induced lymphomagenesis. Additionally, loss of Casp2 in mice leads to features of premature ageing. These findings suggest that caspase-2 has non-apoptotic functions in addition to its context-dependent roles in cell death.