Apoptotic Initiator Caspases

Abstract

Apoptotic initiator caspases (caspase‐2, ‐8, ‐9 and ‐10) constitute a subgroup of the caspase family. These caspases are the first to become proteolytically active in the apoptotic cascade. Their activation takes place in multiprotein complexes initiated by pro‐apoptotic stimuli, such as TNFα, α‐Fas, staurosporine. Once activated, they can process their substrates, which include the apoptotic executioner caspases.